Hi guys. I was pretty satisfied with my M400 un

[dash80]

Hi guys. I was pretty satisfied with my M400 until 2 things started happening:

1) the LCD will not turn on after a long period of inactivity (standby mode?)

2) while working on a document for work, the machine just froze. There was no response to any keyboard commands or mouse input. Closing and opening the lid had no effect (although the LCD backlight turned OFF then ON when opened). The freezing is a BIG problem.

I'm about to install the Toshiba power management utility again but the freezing issue may be something else. I found a few Googled articles that said WinXP Tablet Edition just freezes on its own.

Anyone have the same issues?

[JMoney]

My m400 is my second tablet, upgraded from a 3500, and I have never had any freezing problems. Does it only happen wehen working in your document editor? I would try and diagnose whats running when it freezes, see if there is any correlation.

On the LCD problem, reinstalling the power saver should fix it. If not then just telling the hard drive to never sleep, has fixed it for everyone else.

[drzeller]

For the LCD issue, I find that I can just switch the LCD position (laptop versus tablet orientation) and it comes back on. Annoying, but the workaround is pretty simple. Try re-installing the power saver as mentioned above, though.

As for XP Tablet Edition simply freezing, I can't say I would make that kind of generalization. I have had 3 TPC's and the only freezing problems I have had were related to the normal miscellaneous SW and driver issues and were resolved as they would have been on a non-TPC.

D.

[laryang]

I have the same two issues with my M400 - - after a period of inactivity, the screen won't come back. And the random freezes are really annoying - - both problems i have to hold the power down to turn it off. . . Is this a motherboard problem?

[laryang]

I have the same two issues with my M400 - - after a period of inactivity, the screen won't come back. And the random freezes are really annoying - - both problems i have to hold the power down to turn it off. . . Is this a motherboard problem?

[laryang]

I have the same two issues with my M400 - - after a period of inactivity, the screen won't come back. And the random freezes are really annoying - - both problems i have to hold the power down to turn it off. . . Is this a motherboard problem?

[dpeters8445]

How much Ram do you guys have? I only currently have 512 ram in my M400 and that is not enough. I have noticed that by the time I start up the computer and open a 5 or 6 apps at a time my ram is all ate up and the M400 will run slugishly. I plan on installing more ram.

Doug

[JMoney]

I have 1gb of ram. You can clear up a good amount of memory by stopping uneeded processes from starting up using start>run>msconfig then editing the startup tab. There used to be post that explained the processes that you needed to keep, however, after the server crash its gone. The only help that I can provide is this screenshot of what I diasbled. Of course, some of these you may want to keep, like McAfee(I use symantec corporate) or the RAID utility if your using it.


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[JesD]

Thanks for the image shots but anyway we can get a small description on what the startup items you disabled do?> I mean not all just the ones that look important like the TFNF5 and tabtip...etc etc

Thanks

[pparthas]

This problem has happened to me several times. The freeze is not even a few seconds.. it can be much longer (up to a minute or more). I find it hard to belive memory to be the issue as i have 2G RAM. One of the instances was embarassing as I was in the middle of a presentation :-( .

[JMoney]

quote:Originally posted by JesD

Thanks for the image shots but anyway we can get a small description on what the startup items you disabled do?> I mean not all just the ones that look important like the TFNF5 and tabtip...etc etc

Thanks


Unfortuantly, I dont know what all those processes do. Some are self-explanititor, like quicktime. I looked up TFNF%.exe and its the toshiba fn-esse program, which allows you to map key combinations to perform certain task. Also, tabtip is the tablet pc input panel. I think i might cut this one back on since, it explains why it takes so long for it to start when I click the icon on the task bar as well as why it doesnt pop up when I think it should. Sorry I couldnt be of more help, I wish I could find that lost post.

[JesD]

well just an FYI I have 2g of RAM too so I dont think its an issue with NOT ENOUGH RAM

[Andrew Powell]

I suffer from both problems as well. I do know there was an errata on the chipset for the display issue, I am not sure if this is the cause however. As to the freezing, further information is required. Sometimes mine seems to be fin, and then it freezes for a short period of time.

[Andrew Powell]

I am trying a new version of the display adapted driver directly from INTEL, hopefully it solves the monitor problem.

Cheers,
AP

[gfn]

let us know if it works,

my new M400 arrived today, I have experienced the problems already,

this has to be a widespread issue, wondering why not many people are reporting it,

this happened before I installed anything,

gfn


quote:Originally posted by Andrew Powell

I am trying a new version of the display adapted driver directly from INTEL, hopefully it solves the monitor problem.

Cheers,
AP

[tabster]

There are two problems being discussed here. The monitor not turning on after standby: in earlier posts (that were lost by the web site server crash), that was shown to be fixed by uninstalling the Toshiba powersaver utility and downloading the update from the Toshiba website, and installing that.
The second is the software freezes: most people report the freeze during use of IE... the IE window locks up (other windows still work). A post lost in the server crash reported that in most cases, a freeze like that can be unfrozen by clicking the start button (or the windows logo key on the keyboard). If that does not work, open IE from the start menu. That usually clears it up. Still a pain though. But there are other freezes too that this will not fix. If you have the freeze problems, call it in to Toshiba tech support. It won't get fixed till they accumulate a long list of reports. Maybe they'll have the fix when you call ;-0

[Daniel S. Aja]

>>The second is the software freezes: most people report the freeze during use of IE... the IE window locks up (other windows still work). A post lost in the server crash reported that in most cases, a freeze like that can be unfrozen by clicking the start button (or the windows logo key on the keyboard). If that does not work, open IE from the start menu. That usually clears it up. Still a pain though. But there are other freezes too that this will not fix. If you have the freeze problems, call it in to Toshiba tech support. It won't get fixed till they accumulate a long list of reports. Maybe they'll have the fix when you call

This is the exact problem I am also having with my new M400. The freeze occurs primarily with IE. The freeze typically lasts about 60 seconds. I can use other programs and do other things during the "freeze period", But I can not use IE or it's simular browser product Maxthon. I will report it to Toshiba today.

Dan

[James_abel]

I've also had the problem with my screen not turning on after standby and I tried reloading the power saver program. It has had no effect. The screen will still not turn on and I'm forced to manually shut down the computer and restart. Are there any other ways to fix this proble?

James

[JMoney]

Others have had success by setting the hard drive to never shut off

[gjt]

I have also had the problems identified here:
1. LCD will not turn on:
a. I re-installed the Toshiba power saver as someone suggested prior to the site crash. It didn't make a difference (and in fact is the same version number as shipped with the M400).
b. I got rid of the Toshiba power saver and used the windows version - same problem.
c. Finally, I disabled monitor turning off and HDD turning off and it seems to work. This, however is not ideal when running off batteries

2. Periodic freezes: I've noticed this in MS Outlook 2003 and Firefox 1.5. I'm not quite sure what causes the MS Outlook 2003 freeze, but suspect that the Firefox 1.5 freeze (and perhaps the IE freeze) is due to the Protector Suite QL software! Protector Suite seems to crash a few time for me and in one instance they coincided (which leads me to believe they're related). The Protector Suite software seems a bit flaky too, it doesn't always work on logon!

Geoff

[STOCKMARKET]

Gosh this seems like a prevalent problem. I had just customized an M400 via Toshiba.com and decided to mosey on over here before purchasing to mull over my decision. Don't like what I'm reading...at all. Glad I didn't click the Buy Now button.

One poster wrote that this problem existed brand new out of the box before he installed any apps! Good grief! I encourage anyone "hovering" over this thread to POST POST POST if they've had similar problems and to contact Toshiba ASAP.

[wyldman]

I just picked up a new M400 last week,and have had the same problem.Only once did the screen fail to come on,but I got it back after fiddling with it for a few mins.

The random freeze seems to be isolated to IE and outlook (IE mostly),and everything else still works fine,just the IE windows hang.Hopefully we will find a resolution.

My space bar seems a little stiff (gotta hit it hard right in the middle,or it doens't work),but hopefully it will loosen up.This machine seems far from the build quality of my previous IBM's,but IBM tablet just didn't have the horsepower under the hood that this thing does.

Could this freezing be part of some of the dual core errata I've been hearing about ?

[spootwo]

I've replaced my M400.
Device #1:
*Screen is off center, and overtightened
*High-pitched squeeky sound coming from near the processor
*When I plugged into an external monitor a blue screen crash occurs
*Does not Hibernate unless every application is closed
*Screen does not come back on

Device #2:
*All of the above except the off-center screen. I just heard the high-pitched squeeky sound when I turned it on this morning for the first time.

My biggest problem is that there is no way to refer this problem to toshiba. So apparently we're all stuck with these problems because the only thing toshiba is going to do is replace the device, and that does not fix the problem.

[Edwood]

Does the display freezing happen right away, or does it only happen after the M400 has been on for some time.

I'm wondering if the RAM is overheating, and since the M400 uses shared memory for the video, could be causing the problem.

http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=31041

"a 1 GB DDR2-667 SO DIMM in a "thin and light" notebook reached an awfully hot 85 degrees Celsius case temperature"

"Intel has .....designed a Thermal Sensor with a closed-loop throttling mechanism on the DIMM which, in the case a certain temperature limit is breached, throttles the DIMM speed down, say 50 per cent for instance in this case - from 667 MH to 333 MHz effective throughput."

So the RAM throttles down when it overheats?

Man, is there room for a heatspreader or heatsink on the SODIMM's?

-Ed

[Crisjovano]

I got my M400 just two weeks ago. And I am having both problems. Have somebody found the solution ?

[spootwo]

I suggest returning the laptop and getting a new one. Sure it will have the same problem, but if toshiba refuses to fix the problem, they are certainly willing to replace the device.
Has anyone else tried using an external monitor? If you have one, try extending the desktop through the intel drop-down or the utility, I'm betting it will result in a system crash.
I really hate the fact that I can't hibernate the laptop unless I shut everything else off...what's with that? How does that not get noticed during product testing?

[flydoc]

I bought 2 M400s, one for me and one for my assistant. Both had the display issue but it was fixed by the toshiba saver update. The freeze is making the use of the tablets very difficult. Both had the problem out of the box. I noticed the problem after connecting the tablets to our domain. It only occurs in IE and occurs within 5 minutes of start up. Both machines have 2 GB. This is my 3rd generation Toshiba tablet. The problem is unique.
I have found a fix to unfreeze IE. Contol/alt/del to open the Windows Security window. Then close it. No need to open task manager. That unfreezes IE.
This works but the problem stinks. I have never had this problem on any other windows machine I have ever used (15-20?).
I just installed KB895953-a hot fix for Win XP Tablet PC Memory Leak. So far so good for about 10 min on IE. I will report back if it fixes the problem (doubt it will).
This computer has a new processor and chipset (Centrino DUO). I installed the new BIOS today (1.3) hoping that it would solve the problem. No go. I am amazed that Toshiba would have missed this problem as they developed and tested the M400. How could they release a product with such a glaring anolmaly? I have not heard of this problem on other tablet PC boards. Is this the 1st dual core tablet? Intel is too smart to allow this problem to besmirch the rep of its newest processor.
By the way: I turned off every service and startup item except Microsoft Drivers with msconfig and the problem with IE freezes persists. That makes me think it is not a software conflict with Toshiba utilities.
I haven't called Toshiba because I have read about the reputation of their tech support experience. Sounds like having a root canal.
About 90% of our use of the tablets in our medical practice is IE based (Web based e-medical record, e-based document server, etc). If Toshiba can't fix this the machines will be returned to Toshiba Direct for a refund. This has been a very time consuming problem.

[JesD]

Where did you get the new bios...I cant find it

[flydoc]

New Bios was posted today on the Toshiba Support site for the m400.

[wez_p]

quote:Originally posted by spootwo

I suggest returning the laptop and getting a new one. Sure it will have the same problem, but if toshiba refuses to fix the problem, they are certainly willing to replace the device.
Has anyone else tried using an external monitor? If you have one, try extending the desktop through the intel drop-down or the utility, I'm betting it will result in a system crash.
I really hate the fact that I can't hibernate the laptop unless I shut everything else off...what's with that? How does that not get noticed during product testing?


i've found that selecting hibernate from 'Start > Shut down' never works & just closes all the apps & then removes hibernate from the options!

i have however found that setting the tablet to hibernate when the lid is closed (in the Toshiba power saver options) works fine :)

hope that helps

Wes

[sullivanpt]

The protector suite is an interesting suggestion as culprit. After all, it does run in IE and watch for password boxes. It does crash frequently (outside of IE), and it is annoying in that it's impossible to get it to stop popping up the "I've noticed a password box). Since Outlook hosts IE, I'm not surprised that it suffers too.

Maybe a new protector suite will help, or a registry hack to tyurn off IE prompting?

Just brainstorming out loud...

FYI: I use an external monitor, extended display, no issues.

[Crisjovano]

I am thinking in format my tablet. It should fix the problem.

[spootwo]

I am very curious whether that will fix the issue.

I use this for web programing. Hibernate will not work if Visual Studio, Macromedia, or Photoshop is open at the time.

[wez_p]

quote:Originally posted by spootwo

I am very curious whether that will fix the issue.

I use this for web programing. Hibernate will not work if Visual Studio, Macromedia, or Photoshop is open at the time.


it possibly will if you try setting up hibernate as per my previous post ;)

[wez_p]

quote:Originally posted by sullivanpt


FYI: I use an external monitor, extended display, no issues.


is this just using a VGA splitter via the VGA output on the back of the laptop? or have you got a DVI output on a port replicator or something?

[spootwo]

I have a fix for the hibernation issue. If I hold the power button down for 5 seconds the machine shuts off, it's even quicker than hibernate.

[VILeninDM]

quote:Originally posted by spootwo

I have a fix for the hibernation issue. If I hold the power button down for 5 seconds the machine shuts off, it's even quicker than hibernate.


That's not a solution. That's how every computer since original ATX power supply and later has worked.

Shutting down windows by simply pulling the power plug (that's what you do when you hold the power button) is a sure way to eventually corrupt the file system. And if you get lucky, you'll corrupt something important and then there will be another post, "My M400 doesn't boot anymore."

Think about it, your registry, or page file or any other file is written sequentially and after it is updated, file indexes also have to be updated. If hard drive simply stops working at precisely the right time (if you do this often enough, you will hit it), half the file is written, but index is not updated.

[drzeller]

quote:Originally posted by spootwo

I have a fix for the hibernation issue. If I hold the power button down for 5 seconds the machine shuts off, it's even quicker than hibernate.


As the previous response noted, this is not a good practive at all. You are certainly asking for harddrive corruption with this behavior.

As an aside, this is also not the same as hibernation functionally, either - it would be similar to shutting down. Hibernation stores the state of your machine at the time hibernate -- all programs that were running etc. Also, it does not go through a full boot process when you come out of hibernation -- it just reads back the image of your memory (OS, programs, and all) and then starts running. This is nice if you have to stop working and want to resume later on. Hibernation is better than standby for long periods, as it does not use battery power, while standby does.

D.

[allenv]

quote:Originally posted by spootwo

I have a fix for the hibernation issue. If I hold the power button down for 5 seconds the machine shuts off, it's even quicker than hibernate.



I think he's just joking.

[shinichiconan]

hey dash80
I got the same 2 problems like you. When I am working with Microsoft Word 2003 for long time, the laptop Portege M400 just freezed for no reason. I am wondering if anybody know how to fix this problem.

[bluespapa]

Is this freezing a universal problem in the M400s or is it just a handful of machines? Has anyone traced it to a particular hardware/software glitch? Does anyone NOT have this problem who owns the machine, or are all Buzzers having this problem?

[JMoney]

I feel bad for those that are having problems, however, I dont have them. I see a very slight studder of the mouse as a page loads but nothing that I would consider a freeze. I also dont have the hibernation or screen off issue either, thus the problems maybe related. The only difference that may be the case for myself is that I have a preconfigured m400 with the core solo processor.

[dbellinger]

I am monitoring this thread closely and praying that my m400 doesn't have the problems identified here. It is supposed to be arriving in the next few days. I will make sure to post whether I encounter the same problems or not. Rest assured, I will not be trying to duplicate these problems intentionally.

[tabster]

Please... everyone who has the M400 freeze problem... DO call Toshiba Tech Support. How else is a solution going to be forthcoming unless they document the issues and have a long list of examples. Don't expect a solution when you call, just know you are contributing to an eventual solution. My experience with Toshiba Tech Support is not too bad once you get past the first level support and on to the second level. And you will get past the first level if you are patient and wait past all the really silly questions. Keep in mind they are getting calls from people who do not know what a control panel is. That's what the lower-paid first level is for, to handle the simple stuff. Just wait them out patiently, they will move you on to the real tech support after a few minutes.

BTW, My symptoms:
Freeze in IE. In a typical day of working on the computer all day it freezes 20-30 times (I use IE based mail a lot). Usually clears up by quickly clicking the start menu, but occaisionaly that does not do it.

[blblblbl]

I was about to buy then I saw this...

For those with the "freezing" problem: do you have the core dual processor, and have you tried to remove the so-called "toshiba crap-ware"?

I mean I don't know if I should pay for a core dual if it lags...

[gogums]

Hello!
First post; never owned a Tablet PC.

Is the M405 just the retail/reseller version of the M400 that you can buy direct from Toshiba? I just (literally) purchased the M405 from a retailer on the East Coast and it will be here in a few days. I plan on using Netscape and/or Firefox as my browser(s). Anyone having the freezing problem with these browsers?
G

[drzeller]

I had the freeze problem when I first got the machine, but no longer do. I have no idea what changed it, unfortunately. I did NOT remove any Toshiba software. The only thing that seems even remotely connected is that I have played with power saver settings -- but even there, I have done nothing that others haven't mentioned relative to the screen not turning back on problem -- which was not solved (ironically). I still just have to flip the lid to the other position and back to get the screen to come on. It's a minor hassle that I can live with until it gets fixed by Tosh -- which it is likely to do, in my humble opinion.

D.

[dash80]

quote:Originally posted by shinichiconan

hey dash80
I got the same 2 problems like you. When I am working with Microsoft Word 2003 for long time, the laptop Portege M400 just freezed for no reason. I am wondering if anybody know how to fix this problem.


Argghh... it just happened AGAIN, this time with my work being lost!!! I called Toshiba support and they said that I should reinstall the OS (restore the original shipping configuration). They're just running through the stupid checklists that their semi-trained monkeys spout. I don't think they have a clue what the problem is. I'm not going to restore this computer since it happened with the reference software configuration. Besides, Windows is actually a pretty stable OS. I shouldn't outright FREEZE like this unless it's a driver, BIOS, or bad hardware issue.

[tbarjoe]

I would also be really interested in knowing if a fresh reinstall fixes it.

I am getting the freezing problem EVERY time I close the lid. When I open it, there is a black screen, and when I flick the power button, the screen turns on with either "Preparing to standby" or "Preparing to hibernate" (depending on what I've told Power Saver to do) with the mouse frozen on the screen (the machine is locked up).

I just updated the BIOS firmware, the graphics drivers and uninstalled/reinstalled the power saver software.

I'm dreading the next step of reinstalling as I *just* got everything installed on this machine that I wanted to.

I have tried all the suggestions in this forum of making sure the hard drives or screen never turn off, but the problem happens every time I close the lid.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Joe

[louden]

My M400 was preconfigured with many of the Toshiba utilities.

I added the drivers for the fingerprint reader, and the install automatically addes files to a folder in "my documents" - the only problem is I use intellimirror and folder redirections - that means that software is unusable and froze whenever I was not connected to my work network.

I chalked it up to autoloaded bloatware and nuked my machine because I wanted to partition it anyway for XP and Vista.

No complaints so far. You just need to download some of the latest drivers off of Toshiba's web site.

Now that I rebuilt the machine, I'm much happier with it :)

[shinichiconan]

Hey dash80! I fixed my freezing problem by changing the Toshiba Power Saver Setting. Change the AC optimezed setting. First, u need to disable The PCI power save, Then u need to change Cooling Method to Cooling Optimzed. Good luck !!! I fixed the problem by changing those and I already asked the Toshiba supports center and they said the changing will not effect ur computer.

[JesD]

quote:Originally posted by louden

My M400 was preconfigured with many of the Toshiba utilities.

I added the drivers for the fingerprint reader, and the install automatically addes files to a folder in "my documents" - the only problem is I use intellimirror and folder redirections - that means that software is unusable and froze whenever I was not connected to my work network.

I chalked it up to autoloaded bloatware and nuked my machine because I wanted to partition it anyway for XP and Vista.

No complaints so far. You just need to download some of the latest drivers off of Toshiba's web site.

Now that I rebuilt the machine, I'm much happier with it :)




LOUDEN: - You think you can provide us with a simple walkthrough on how you reinstalled ( rebuilt ) your M400? I imagine you somehow avoided installing some of the toshiba stuff...a walkthrough would sure help...

Thanks cause I know this might be time consuming

[JesD]

quote:Originally posted by shinichiconan

Hey dash80! I fixed my freezing problem by changing the Toshiba Power Saver Setting. Change the AC optimezed setting. First, u need to disable The PCI power save, Then u need to change Cooling Method to Cooling Optimzed. Good luck !!! I fixed the problem by changing those and I already asked the Toshiba supports center and they said the changing will not effect ur computer.


Im booting up my m400 as I type...Ill try them out and let ya know
But I have one question...any idea how much this lessens the battery life?

[Crisjovano]

I noticed that when it happens the fan get hot and loud.

[wyldman]

I have tried everything so far to eliminate these problems.Nothing works,and it's getting worse.More than half the time I get the dead screen now,an it's not as easy to get back on as it was before.

The freezing problem seems to be with MS products.IE,Outlook,and even just the explorer windows.Switching to another window will unfreeze it sometimes,or even just moving the mouse from the laptop screen across to my second monitor.It's getting very annoying.

[Crisjovano]

I can not understand. Nobody got the soluction from Toshiba ? For me it is too dificult call to them, because I live at another contry

[err_fatale]

Are any of you having this issue while using Firefox? IE is kinda problem prone in many ways. Is the freeze just with IE or with other applications as well?

As a rule, you pretty much always want to do a clean install of your OS, ESPECIALLY with Toshiba machines as, while they make really good computers (when they aren't defective), they add the most crap I've ever seen any company install on their units. A lot of that stuff ( AOL, Norton) is almost impossible to uninstall and it's just easier to do a clean install of Windows than hunt down registry files that weren't deleted, etc...

If you ask me Norton is nearly as bad as having a virus!!! Use NOD32, it's light and works great.

[JesD]

Just to add what CRISJOVANO said, everytime any of the M400s we bought freeze up ( We bought 5 o them and 2 are having this problem ) the FAN GETS LOUD

Im just kind of wondering if these problems are being worked on...I mean I saw the BIOS update 1.30 and figured that at least half of the problems would be addressed but I dont think one major problem was resolved with the update

[itech]

quote:Originally posted by sullivanpt

The protector suite is an interesting suggestion as culprit. After all, it does run in IE and watch for password boxes. It does crash frequently (outside of IE), and it is annoying in that it's impossible to get it to stop popping up the "I've noticed a password box). Since Outlook hosts IE, I'm not surprised that it suffers too.

Maybe a new protector suite will help, or a registry hack to tyurn off IE prompting?

Just brainstorming out loud...

FYI: I use an external monitor, extended display, no issues.

[louden]

quote:Originally posted by JesD
LOUDEN: - You think you can provide us with a simple walkthrough on how you reinstalled ( rebuilt ) your M400? I imagine you somehow avoided installing some of the toshiba stuff...a walkthrough would sure help...

Thanks cause I know this might be time consuming



Nothing special - Our IT department allows network based installation of XP - I just booted via the network to set up XP first and while doing so, created two partitions - the first for XP, the second for Vista. I'm keeping the XP install pretty clean, and it works as expected....

[tbarjoe]

Well I tried to do a fresh reinstall, but didn't have the SATA drivers for the tablet, and decided to try the recovery disks instead of trying to find them.

Recovery went smoothly enough, and I havent had the standby/hibernate freeze problem.... yet. I'm slowly reinstalling all the apps I need and periodically testing standby/hibernate. So far so good, we'll see if that keeps up, maybe I'll try the IE/Explorer stuff to see if that causes the freezing.

[Jonathan7007]

All,
A few posts back there were two really good questions:

1. Do FireFox users have this same freeze problem?
2. Do some Outlook tasks trigger this? Or do people using other than Outlook e-mail clients have fewer/no freezes?

I woulod like to order a tablet in the next few dayd but this particular thread makes it seem like I should get any machine other than a Toshiba.

Jonathan

[Jonathan7007]

How can you do a clean OS install (no bloat/spyware) if you do not have a "real" TabletPC OS 2005 disk/disks set?

jONATHAN

[dash80]

quote:Originally posted by shinichiconan

Hey dash80! I fixed my freezing problem by changing the Toshiba Power Saver Setting. Change the AC optimezed setting. First, u need to disable The PCI power save, Then u need to change Cooling Method to Cooling Optimzed. Good luck !!! I fixed the problem by changing those and I already asked the Toshiba supports center and they said the changing will not effect ur computer.


I'm trying that right now. I've had it happen quite a number of times while on a long car trip working on Photoshop CS2 (no, I wasn't driving :D ). It's also happened while plugged in. Toshiba told me to Re-Install the operating system (yeah right...). Hopefully this does it!!!!

[Crisjovano]

what is PCI power save option ?

[JesD]

quote:Originally posted by dash80


quote:Originally posted by shinichiconan

Hey dash80! I fixed my freezing problem by changing the Toshiba Power Saver Setting. Change the AC optimezed setting. First, u need to disable The PCI power save, Then u need to change Cooling Method to Cooling Optimzed. Good luck !!! I fixed the problem by changing those and I already asked the Toshiba supports center and they said the changing will not effect ur computer.


I'm trying that right now. I've had it happen quite a number of times while on a long car trip working on Photoshop CS2 (no, I wasn't driving :D ). It's also happened while plugged in. Toshiba told me to Re-Install the operating system (yeah right...). Hopefully this does it!!!!


Dont ask me why but all my freezing went away with the suggestion....looks like the PCI SAVE option might be the villian in this???
Anyone want to explain the PCI SAVE MODE option?

[STOCKMARKET]

I'm with Chris, what is the PCI Power Save option?

Anyone else having luck with this solution?

[Iwaskilled]

Well guys, I just ordered a new M400-ST9113 with the T2300 (dual core), 512MB ram 40gig HD, dvd cdrw, bluetooth 802.11abg, modular bay batt and HD adapter. At the time of ordering today toshiba support and sales people said that there wher NO reports of any units freezing up or blank screening. So I encourage anyone that is having this problem to get on the horn and chew on a supervisors ear about this. Toshiba is supposed to have very good support and a good reputation so hopefully if enough calls are made this issue will get some major attention. I plan on running some benchmarks and normal programs on my unit before modding the ram and HD configuration. If I have this same issue I'll try that pci power save trick to see if it does anything, Though I don't see how it would unless the driver for the particular unit it is shutting off isn't telling the software that is using the unit to stop using it. So I am curious to see if the people getting this error are getting the freeze while on 802.11 connection or standard ethernet. because these are using two different cards. the 802.11 wireless and bluetooth are on the NEW PCI-E card format, and the gigabit ethernet is on an onboard pci bus.

So for those getting the freeze please tell us if it is doing it on both wired and wireless or exclusively on one or the other.

The other possibility could be a conflict with IE, outlook, and FF using the NEW biometrics software that uses the fingerprint scanner. I'm somewhat skeptical of using the fingerprint method of inputting my passwords because I simply have so many passwords that I really don't want all of them being logged in one place. I don't even use the FF PW recongnizer.

So again, please anyone who is getting these errors tell us exactly what is running and what you are using upon the freeze.

[blblblbl]

quote:Originally posted by Iwaskilled
At the time of ordering today toshiba support and sales people said that there wher NO reports of any units freezing up or blank screening.


A sales rep claiming "no report" doesn't mean "no problem". I was given the same answer, and when I further asked, "is there absolutely no freezing/screen-off problem at all, coming out of the box?", the answer was still "no report". They're not lying, it's just a technically honest but evasive answer.

From private email conversations, I am 99% convinced that "screen-off waking from stand-by" is an out-of-the-box problem that happens in a random manner. But the sales rep didn't lied because they're just saying "no report". Because of this, I've decided to be on the conservative side about the freezing.

But still, I would buy if there's a minimal, systematic way of fixing/reproducing the freezing problem coming out of the box.

[Iwaskilled]

quote:Originally posted by blblblbl


quote:Originally posted by Iwaskilled
At the time of ordering today toshiba support and sales people said that there wher NO reports of any units freezing up or blank screening.


A sales rep claiming "no report" doesn't mean "no problem". I was given the same answer, and when I further asked, "is there absolutely no freezing/screen-off problem at all, coming out of the box?", the answer was still "no report". They're not lying, it's just a technically honest but evasive answer.

From private email conversations, I am 99% convinced that "screen-off waking from stand-by" is an out-of-the-box problem that happens in a random manner. But the sales rep didn't lied because they're just saying "no report". Because of this, I've decided to be on the conservative side about the freezing.

But still, I would buy if there's a minimal, systematic way of fixing/reproducing the freezing problem coming out of the box.


Yea the way he said it didn't really instill me with a whole lot of confidence, though I had already made the decision to buy it reguardless of the problem. I figured I'll make it work one way or another, and hopefully find the issue causing the dificulty in the process.

[wyldman]

The PCI power save seemed to make a difference on the freezing issue..........for about a day,and now it's back.Not as bad,but still a pain.Flicking the mouse from the tablet screen to the secondary display sometimes unfreezes it,or opening another explorer window.

Now my screen will just go black all of a sudden,just the the black screen on resume issue,but right in the middle of something.Nothing will make it come back on,exceot to shut it down,or enter standby.

If this keeps up,it will be in the trash soon.

[Iwaskilled]

quote:Originally posted by wyldman

The PCI power save seemed to make a difference on the freezing issue..........for about a day,and now it's back.Not as bad,but still a pain.Flicking the mouse from the tablet screen to the secondary display sometimes unfreezes it,or opening another explorer window.

Now my screen will just go black all of a sudden,just the the black screen on resume issue,but right in the middle of something.Nothing will make it come back on,exceot to shut it down,or enter standby.

If this keeps up,it will be in the trash soon.
What is running while you have this problem? are you using wireless or wired internet? bluetooth? USB? modem?

do you use the fingerprint recognition, and if so does it freeze when you use it?

did you try disabling the pci bus and bridge controller? or disabling the 802.11 and bluethooth devices and use just a wired connection, or use wireless and disable the nic in device manager?

[wyldman]

I actually found out why the screen is going black.It only happens when running on the battery,and the LCD shuts off normally after 3 mins.It then refuses to come back on,same as the other problems with the black screen.

I tried disabling the PCI power save in the power manager,no luck.

I am using the wireless only,no bluetooth,no usb devices,etc.I have tried disabling some statup stuff,but nothing seems to help much.

[wyldman]

Forgot to add that I do use the fingerprint recognition,and it doesn't seem to be causing it.I've had problems even with it disabled.

[Crisjovano]

Hi wyldman,
shinichiconan found a solution.
As his said below. You have to disable The PCI power save AND change Cooling Method to Cooling Optimzed.
I tested it and it works well, my problems stoped. But the problem now with that configuration is the battery consumption. It is spending more battery. I am not sure if it is the right solution. It is just a trick, the right solution has to come from Toshiba support, our machine must works with any configuration. I am not sure what is wrong with our M400. But there is something related with PCI power save (I don't know what it is) and the cooler.
But a thing I am sure. THE TOSHIBA MUST GIVE US A SOLUTION. ...It is not a cheap toy.



quote:Originally posted by shinichiconan

Hey dash80! I fixed my freezing problem by changing the Toshiba Power Saver Setting. Change the AC optimezed setting. First, u need to disable The PCI power save, Then u need to change Cooling Method to Cooling Optimzed. Good luck !!! I fixed the problem by changing those and I already asked the Toshiba supports center and they said the changing will not effect ur computer.

[wyldman]

Well that doesn't work for me,as that is what I have it set to now.I will double check again.

[Iwaskilled]

Crisjovano
when you say you fixed the problem, are you using the internet on a wireless or wired connection?

and wyldman
did you try using a wired connection, to see if it is a driver or pci controller problem? also, how long does it take to reproduce this problem while browsing? is it after a fiew hours or a couple minutes?

[Crisjovano]

I use wireless in my house, wired connection in my company and no connection in my school (just taking notes using OneNote). In all cases I was having problem, and now it is working well. ... just the battery problem, around (15-20 minutes less) with that configuration.

[tabster]

quote:Originally posted by wyldman

Well that doesn't work for me,as that is what I have it set to now.I will double check again.




doesn't work for me either, with regard to IE freezing

[wyldman]

I think it may have something to do with the password bank\fingerprint software.It seems to be happening more on pages where there is some sort of login,or info required,where the password bank balloon would normally pop up.

[dpeters8445]

That Password Bank Pop up in internet explorer is a pain in the @ss. How do you turn that pop up off

[Iwaskilled]

quote:Originally posted by wyldman

I think it may have something to do with the password bank\fingerprint software.It seems to be happening more on pages where there is some sort of login,or info required,where the password bank balloon would normally pop up.


Try disableing the password input software in task manager. Or all non essential programs. In fact, shut down all of the programs under your logon name except explorer.exe and see if it freezes up. If that cures teh problem then it's one of the programs not the hardware.

If you want to troubleshoot it, and shutting off all the background programs worked, then wright a list of all the programs that are running under your ID with the computer freshly started and shut off all but say 2 at a time. Essentially you want to Isolate which program or programs are creating this freeze. so you could even shut down half of the programs and put a check by the names of the ones you left running on your list. If all is ok then restart the machine and leave a fiew more running, repeat till you encounter the freeze again.

[shinichiconan]

I change the AC optimzed back except I also changed the "Setup Options" in Toshiba Power Saving
http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/7199/fixportege12jx.th.jpg (http://img209.imageshack.us/my.php?image=fixportege12jx.jpg)
http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/7199/fixportege12jx.th.jpg
Did you see the "Change the Power Save Profile automatically when the power source change" in the Setup Options of the Toshiba Power Saving?
If you see that then disable it and your computer will not random freeze for more than 1 hour any more.
Make sure you already disable it by click the "Apply"


quote:Originally posted by Crisjovano

Hi wyldman,
shinichiconan found a solution.
As his said below. You have to disable The PCI power save AND change Cooling Method to Cooling Optimzed.
I tested it and it works well, my problems stoped. But the problem now with that configuration is the battery consumption. It is spending more battery. I am not sure if it is the right solution. It is just a trick, the right solution has to come from Toshiba support, our machine must works with any configuration. I am not sure what is wrong with our M400. But there is something related with PCI power save (I don't know what it is) and the cooler.
But a thing I am sure. THE TOSHIBA MUST GIVE US A SOLUTION. ...It is not a cheap toy.



quote:Originally posted by shinichiconan

Hey dash80! I fixed my freezing problem by changing the Toshiba Power Saver Setting. Change the AC optimezed setting. First, u need to disable The PCI power save, Then u need to change Cooling Method to Cooling Optimzed. Good luck !!! I fixed the problem by changing those and I already asked the Toshiba supports center and they said the changing will not effect ur computer.

[Crisjovano]

Hi shinichiconan,
You have disabled The PCI power save, and changed Cooling Method to Cooling Optimzed.
But do you know what is PCI power save ?
I have been noting that after those changes my battery is dying faster. I am getting around 20 minutes less.
Have you noticed it as well ?

[TomTanida]

quote:Originally posted by Crisjovano

Hi shinichiconan,
You have disabled The PCI power save, and changed Cooling Method to Cooling Optimzed.
But do you know what is PCI power save ?
I have been noting that after those changes my battery is dying faster. I am getting around 20 minutes less.
Have you noticed it as well ?


I would guess that the PCIe Power Save would lower the clock frequency of the PCI-Express bus... essentially "underclocking" the video card in order to save power.

If you run CPU-Z, you can see a similar effect on the CPU- the speed of the CPU drops in half when idle, then comes back up to speed when needed. If you turn off PCIe Power Save, you are probably keeping the PCIe clock rate at the maximum at all times, which consumes more power.

[shinichiconan]

You can change back the PCI power save like before but you need to disable the "Change the Power Save Profile automatically when the power source change" in the Setup options. It will do the same thing, it will not cause the freeze any more


quote:Originally posted by Crisjovano

Hi shinichiconan,
You have disabled The PCI power save, and changed Cooling Method to Cooling Optimzed.
But do you know what is PCI power save ?
I have been noting that after those changes my battery is dying faster. I am getting around 20 minutes less.
Have you noticed it as well ?

[JesD]

SHIN: BUt if you do this then the problem is that it wont automaticlly switch when I plug into the AC....
So are you suggesting we do this manually?
And in your earler post you said that this would "your computer will not random freeze for more than 1 hour any more".
Please elaborate. Are you saying this will onl work for one hour another words, a temporary fix?

[sbcs]

test

[sbcs]

[8D] I ordered my M400 series and it is on it's way! I think it is really cool how you can follow the package from china to here in just a few days. Now Thats Technology!

I have researched nearly every Tablet PC out there and the Tosh M400 series, came out on top! Until these posts... Urrgg ....

I'll bet it is caused by a bundeled SW package like the AV, Tosh Utilities or 5400RPM-vs 7200 RPM?

Here is my ordered config.....

BASE0102 PORTEGE M400
APP0006 MICROSOFT WORKS
APP0016 NO WIN-DVD CREATOR
APP0023 NO MICROSOFT OFFICE 2003 SFT
BAT0001 6 CELL BATTERY
COM10026 INTEL PRO WIRELESS ABG
COM20015 BLUETOOTH VERSION 2.0+EDR
CPU0177 INTEL CORE DUO T2500 2.00GHZ
GFX0032 INTEL GRAPHICS MEDIA ACCELERAT
HDD0042 80 GB HDD (7200RPM, SERIAL-ATA
IDENT0002 NO TABLET PC RESERVE PEN
LCD0023 12.1" SXGA LCD
MEM0066 1024MB PC5300 DDR2 667MHZ
OS0038 MICROSOFT WINDOWS XP TABLET
SBAY0021 DVD/CD-RW
WARR0002 3 YEAR STANDARD WARRANTY


Hopefuly I wont' have the issue, I'll be testing.
Anyrate.... I' let you know what I find

[JTChris]

Anybody have luck with the complete OS reinstall yet? I hoe it works, but I suspect it won't have a big effect, once the machine is up AND running fully loaded, as the problems sound identical to those I've had with desktop units that either a) have overloaded power supplies, or b) are overheating. They are transient but chronic problems that usually result in freezes rather than crashes. Why it would happen more often with some programs (e.g. IE) isn't very clear, however ...

[Crisjovano]

quote:Originally posted by JTChris

Anybody have luck with the complete OS reinstall yet? I hoe it works, but I suspect it won't have a big effect, once the machine is up AND running fully loaded, as the problems sound identical to those I've had with desktop units that either a) have overloaded power supplies, or b) are overheating. They are transient but chronic problems that usually result in freezes rather than crashes. Why it would happen more often with some programs (e.g. IE) isn't very clear, however ...

I've heard somebody here, that reinstall the OS and the problem was fixed.
How can I reinstall the OS ? Should I format first ?

[JesD]

Well I would tend to think that if we can reinstall the OS without all the crap TOSHIBA has, we would b happier with our M400 performance...anyone done this yet

[laser]

I recieved my M400 yesterday. Not one problem with freezing until I got home from work to finish learning about the tablet. At home I set up the finger print scanner and updated IE to version 7 beta. Immediately I started getting the freezing. Not sure if either event was related to the freezing, but I took off IE 7 and things were better except when shutting down I recieved a message with end now for the finger print reader .exe. I uninstalled the finger print reader and reinstalled and everything has been good again. No freezes and my system is hybernating and suspending normally. Maybe I am just lucky I don't know. Only day two there is a lot of time left for things to get mucked up!

[tabster]

quote:Originally posted by laser

I recieved my M400 yesterday. Not one problem with freezing until I got home from work to finish learning about the tablet. At home I set up the finger print scanner and updated IE to version 7 beta. Immediately I started getting the freezing. Not sure if either event was related to the freezing, but I took off IE 7 and things were better except when shutting down I recieved a message with end now for the finger print reader .exe. I uninstalled the finger print reader and reinstalled and everything has been good again. No freezes and my system is hybernating and suspending normally. Maybe I am just lucky I don't know. Only day two there is a lot of time left for things to get mucked up!


Laser, what kind of freezing were you having? on use of IE, or general?

[tabster]

By the way, I had the IE freezing... that was my only issue. I switched to Firefox, 5 days ago, and now no problems at all, freezing gone as long as I use that software to access the net. Another user a few weeks ago said the opposite though, still had freezing with Firefox. But again, this is a good fix for me; but unfortunately there are times I still need to use IE (when using Outlook Web Access for example), and as soon as I do switch back to IE, problems are experienced in IE.

[laser]

quote:Originally posted by tabster


quote:Originally posted by laser

I recieved my M400 yesterday. Not one problem with freezing until I got home from work to finish learning about the tablet. At home I set up the finger print scanner and updated IE to version 7 beta. Immediately I started getting the freezing. Not sure if either event was related to the freezing, but I took off IE 7 and things were better except when shutting down I recieved a message with end now for the finger print reader .exe. I uninstalled the finger print reader and reinstalled and everything has been good again. No freezes and my system is hybernating and suspending normally. Maybe I am just lucky I don't know. Only day two there is a lot of time left for things to get mucked up!


Laser, what kind of freezing were you having? on use of IE, or general?


Would load IE and then IE just stoped. No page would load, it would just sit there. Then suddenly it would finish loading and a page would come up.

Word also exhibited this strange behavior at the same time.

[vinokurov]

quote:Originally posted by laser

Would load IE and then IE just stoped. No page would load, it would just sit there. Then suddenly it would finish loading and a page would come up.

Word also exhibited this strange behavior at the same time.


I also have this kind of freeze. Clicking windows button unfreezes IE. Most often this IE-freeze occurs when a page is being loaded. I observed it with both LAN and WLAN connections.

Sometimes IE-freeze occurs when a page is already loaded and I'm working with it (typing in a textarea, scrolling, etc.). In this case windows button may not help. To unfreeze IE I need to activate another IE window.

I suppose that this looks like a problem with sharing IE between 2 processor cores. It is interesting if this IE-freeze problem occurs on other DualCore systems?

[Crisjovano]

so, everybody here has Toshiba Suport, and we have to call Toshiba about that problem. THEY HAVE TO FIX THE PROBLEM as faster as possible.

[spaceman]

IE 6 freezing: I had that starting to happen about 2 months ago on my M200. Also during a page load. After that the machine was unresponsible, even to Task Manager to kill IE. I had to reboot to regain control. Since then I created a new user account and deleted the old one. The theory was a corrupted user profile or registry entry. That seem to have fixed my IE freezes. I wonder if recent Microsoft IE patches have made IE problems more frequency on our Toshiba tablets?

[TomTanida]

There's a new 1.40 BIOS up on the Toshiba support site that says this:
"Corrected an issue where the system could hang when the power supply was turned on during a charge prohibited state of the Peak Shift Function."

I didn't understand a word they said. (Paraphrasing a line from Napoleon Dynamite ;) ) In any case, it might be worth a try...

[Iwaskilled]

Well Guys, I got my M400 on tuesday and have been punishing it for 3.5 days and have only encountered a strange form of the blank screen. every now and again when the monitor shuts off for an extended period of time it doesn't want to come back on until I either enduce a standby or switch the screen between tablet and laptop mode. now this was a rare occurance and I believe I fixed it by just shutting off the screen saver. as for the freezing issue, I haven't noticed it yet, BUT I did notice that toshiba in their infinate wisdome decided to install Macaffee antivirus which I promptly removed within the first 5 seconds of operation of the computer. I would reccomend to anyone that hasn't removed that horrid program to do so immediately and install something that isn't prone to locking up systems.

Edit::

Well I found how to get the computer into the bios, apparently you hold the escape key and then after the prompt comes up hit F1 and you are now in the bios.

I'll let you know how it works out in vista, and see if I can get the same issues to come up in there.

[Brick Tamnland]

I am haveing the same problem. I have restored my computer to factory default at least 3 times (when you start it up hold ctrl and 0) and the m400 continues to freeze. It freezes mainly when on battery power, when moved, and sometimes just happens randomly. It also freezes when it is docked, although this is not as often as when it is on battery power. This makes me think it is a hardware problem, and is therefore Toshiba's fault. I am thinking of returning it and buying another laptop and I would suggest you do the same if you have this problem.

[WNewquay]

Hello Brick,

I'd probably open the machine and reseat the memory. I don't have an M7 so I can't tell you exactly how to do it. There is probably something in the owner's manual about adding memory. That should get you going. SO you want to remove and then re-place the memory and see if that helps.

[sullivanpt]

It's a pity the buzz keeps crashing and we keep losing the solution to this problem. By now, I've retyped this solution so many times it's all getting fuzzy in my head.

If IE, Word or Outlook freeze on your M400, the solution is to disable the remember IE password alerts in the figerprint scanner software. This feature is broken for dual-core processors.

If your screen blanks out and doesn't turn back on, the solution is to install the updated video driver from the Fujitsu site.

Enjoy,
Patrick

[WNewquay]

Hi Patrick,

I'd like to put a note about this in the MobilePCWiki (http://MobilePCWiki.com). Not having an M400, I have to rely on others' descriptions of the problems and the resolutions. Would you mind taking a shot at this one more time - here if you like (and I'll quote and credit you in the wiki). Or you can just do it directly in the wiki. I have a "stub" page just waiting for M400 info.
M400 FAQ (http://mobilepcwiki.com/mpc/index.php?title=Toshiba/Portege/M400/FAQ)


Also - the reference to Fujitsu went sailing over my head - is this a different issue?

[alinboy]

this is still a BIG problem, i have a user who has the FREEZE problem, we disabled HDD protection and also Fingerscan software is disabled, but still we are getting freezez, we called Toshiba, they have no f****cking clue about this issue, and told me to send it to toshiba technitian for repair?? wtf

HOW CAN WE SOLVE THIS ??? its really frustrating this is less than 1 month old laptop,

[Professor Tesar]

For much of the past year, my M400 would occasionally freeze. It usually happened when I had it in the port replicator, but that may be because I use it for longer stretches of time there. I was averaging about 1 freeze a day. About three weeks ago, I updated the BIOS to v. 3.4. Since then, I have not had a single freeze. I'm hoping the past three weeks aren't a fluke!

Has BIOS 3.4 made a difference for anyone else?

[alinboy]

i'm trying 3.4 now

will let uknow

[wallen]

I honestly can't remember: I'm on BIOS 3.5 now, and mine, even with Vista installed, never freezes, on the Port rep or not...

[assinie_mafia]

hey everyone, i hope that by now someone has a fix for the m405 FREEZING issue. i ve had mine for 8 months now, and it started freezing about 3 months ago.i tried many things and nothing worked till now.i noticed that someone mentioned the LOUD FAN as soon as it freezes. i HAVE THE SAE ISSUE. It freezes about 10 times a day and sometimes as soon as i turn it on. it freeZES AS SOON AS I TURN IT ON WITH A LOUD AD FAST FAN. i took it the technical service of my university and they ran some test. they told me it was not software related. most probably hardware related. I am a TA in my university and one of the professors in my departement has the smae computer with the same problem. THe fan goes oud as soon as it freezes. Another woment from a BOOK company has also the smae computer with the same issues with the freezing. Her computer was still under waranty and toshiba sent her a new computer. ...same issue. My computer is not under warranty with toshiba anymore. so i dont know what to do. it is really frustrating to have to tecah and work with the computer and it freezes in class every 5 minutes.
if anyone has a solution, please let me know.
thanks

[wez_p]

as soon as i switched to Vista, had no more probs

[assinie_mafia]

did u have the same problem with the fan going fast and lud at every full machine freez? if yes does vista have a tablet pc edition? i didnt know it had. thanks

[dpeters8445]

quote:Originally posted by assinie_mafia

hey everyone, i hope that by now someone has a fix for the m405 FREEZING issue. i ve had mine for 8 months now, and it started freezing about 3 months ago.i tried many things and nothing worked till now.i noticed that someone mentioned the LOUD FAN as soon as it freezes. i HAVE THE SAE ISSUE. It freezes about 10 times a day and sometimes as soon as i turn it on. it freeZES AS SOON AS I TURN IT ON WITH A LOUD AD FAST FAN. i took it the technical service of my university and they ran some test. they told me it was not software related. most probably hardware related. I am a TA in my university and one of the professors in my departement has the smae computer with the same problem. THe fan goes oud as soon as it freezes. Another woment from a BOOK company has also the smae computer with the same issues with the freezing. Her computer was still under waranty and toshiba sent her a new computer. ...same issue. My computer is not under warranty with toshiba anymore. so i dont know what to do. it is really frustrating to have to tecah and work with the computer and it freezes in class every 5 minutes.
if anyone has a solution, please let me know.
thanks


Assinie, Have you noticed when your M400 crashes and the fan goes on full blast, is this happening just after you moved or josseled your computer around. This is the problem that I have. Bassically, I can use my M-400 flat on a desk all day long, as long as I don't move it. So this is definently a hardware problem. I took it to a Toshiba service center and they said they they could not dublicate the problem. What bull, as soon as I got it home I used my M400 sitting on my lap and crashed it within 15 minutes. I don't know what to do. My warrenty is up, so I have a $ 2,000.00 desktop. I won't buy another Toshiba.

Doug

[dpeters8445]

quote:Originally posted by dpeters8445


quote:Originally posted by assinie_mafia

hey everyone, i hope that by now someone has a fix for the m405 FREEZING issue. i ve had mine for 8 months now, and it started freezing about 3 months ago.i tried many things and nothing worked till now.i noticed that someone mentioned the LOUD FAN as soon as it freezes. i HAVE THE SAE ISSUE. It freezes about 10 times a day and sometimes as soon as i turn it on. it freeZES AS SOON AS I TURN IT ON WITH A LOUD AD FAST FAN. i took it the technical service of my university and they ran some test. they told me it was not software related. most probably hardware related. I am a TA in my university and one of the professors in my departement has the smae computer with the same problem. THe fan goes oud as soon as it freezes. Another woment from a BOOK company has also the smae computer with the same issues with the freezing. Her computer was still under waranty and toshiba sent her a new computer. ...same issue. My computer is not under warranty with toshiba anymore. so i dont know what to do. it is really frustrating to have to tecah and work with the computer and it freezes in class every 5 minutes.
if anyone has a solution, please let me know.
thanks


Assinie, Have you noticed when your M400 crashes and the fan goes on full blast, is this happening just after you moved or josseled your computer around. This is the problem that I have. Bassically, I can use my M-400 flat on a desk all day long, as long as I don't move it. So this is definently a hardware problem. I took it to a Toshiba service center and they said they they could not dublicate the problem. What bull, as soon as I got it home I used my M400 sitting on my lap and crashed it within 15 minutes. I don't know what to do. My warrenty is up, so I have a $ 2,000.00 desktop. I won't buy another Toshiba.

Doug


One other thing that I forgot to mention. I first started having this problem when running Vista. I still had my copy of XP Tablet addition on my original hard drive so I popped XP in and still have the crashing problem. This is more evidence that this is a hardware problem.

Doug

[assinie_mafia]

quote:Originally posted by dpeters8445


quote:Originally posted by dpeters8445


quote:Originally posted by assinie_mafia

hey everyone, i hope that by now someone has a fix for the m405 FREEZING issue. i ve had mine for 8 months now, and it started freezing about 3 months ago.i tried many things and nothing worked till now.i noticed that someone mentioned the LOUD FAN as soon as it freezes. i HAVE THE SAE ISSUE. It freezes about 10 times a day and sometimes as soon as i turn it on. it freeZES AS SOON AS I TURN IT ON WITH A LOUD AD FAST FAN. i took it the technical service of my university and they ran some test. they told me it was not software related. most probably hardware related. I am a TA in my university and one of the professors in my departement has the smae computer with the same problem. THe fan goes oud as soon as it freezes. Another woment from a BOOK company has also the smae computer with the same issues with the freezing. Her computer was still under waranty and toshiba sent her a new computer. ...same issue. My computer is not under warranty with toshiba anymore. so i dont know what to do. it is really frustrating to have to tecah and work with the computer and it freezes in class every 5 minutes.
if anyone has a solution, please let me know.
thanks


Assinie, Have you noticed when your M400 crashes and the fan goes on full blast, is this happening just after you moved or josseled your computer around. This is the problem that I have. Bassically, I can use my M-400 flat on a desk all day long, as long as I don't move it. So this is definently a hardware problem. I took it to a Toshiba service center and they said they they could not dublicate the problem. What bull, as soon as I got it home I used my M400 sitting on my lap and crashed it within 15 minutes. I don't know what to do. My warrenty is up, so I have a $ 2,000.00 desktop. I won't buy another Toshiba.

Doug


One other thing that I forgot to mention. I first started having this problem when running Vista. I still had my copy of XP Tablet addition on my original hard drive so I popped XP in and still have the crashing problem. This is more evidence that this is a hardware problem.

Doug

yes i did notice the same thing. when u move the computer it freezes. however it could be a meaningless move. that got me thhinking an i disactivated the hdd protective utility from toshiba. i know for sure that it is hardware related. it makes no doubt. but hopefully that will help a little. so far it does crash less, but still does!!!! its really crazy... i mean how do u use a TABLEt if u cant even move it????? i was thinking that it could be also be a problem with the motherboard... let me know if anything

[heymisterchris]

Hi just wanted to say I had a refurbished M400 laptop for about 3 months. 2 months in it began freezing, then a month later died entirely, Initially it only froze when moved (fan goes to 100%) then of its own accord on start up, and I checked it in dos, same prob. definatly hardware... after 3 months the fan goes straight to 100% and the screen doesn't turn on the power light does but thats it... #163;700 wasted and whats worse the vendor said it still had its 3 year warantee with toshiba, toshiba said "no sorry only 3 months on a refurb". I WILL NEVER buy anything from toshiba again.
also toshiba lied blatantly when i spoke to tech support stateing that noone else had ever reported similar problems.

[NeaL376]

hey guys


i removed the filter on the bottom of the case that shields the VGA fan. I noticed that the fan doesnt seem to be operating. This could be the possible error.

the VGA card might be overheating and cutting out

[TomTanida]

quote:Originally posted by dpeters8445


quote:Originally posted by assinie_mafia

hey everyone, i hope that by now someone has a fix for the m405 FREEZING issue.


Assinie, Have you noticed when your M400 crashes and the fan goes on full blast, is this happening just after you moved or josseled your computer around. This is the problem that I have. Bassically, I can use my M-400 flat on a desk all day long, as long as I don't move it. So this is definently a hardware problem. I took it to a Toshiba service center and they said they they could not dublicate the problem. What bull, as soon as I got it home I used my M400 sitting on my lap and crashed it within 15 minutes. I don't know what to do. My warrenty is up, so I have a $ 2,000.00 desktop. I won't buy another Toshiba.

Doug


I had exactly this problem on my M400 which I bought in March of 2006, but I was luckily barely still under warranty at the time (within 30 days of expiration) when it got so sensitive I had to do something about it. I took it to a local service center and they were able to repro it and replaced the mobo for free.

I could get it to freeze at will by applying a little bit of pressure with my finger near the case screw closest to the hard drive (i.e. if you look at the bottom of my M400 with the hard drive to the upper left and the battery to the upper right, it's the screw at the lower right side of the battery... I have some light blue Chinese sticker there... pressing the sticker even gently would freeze it... could do this on the BIOS screen before it even engaged the boot sequence from the hard drive. Yes, once it froze the fan went to full blast; heat had nothing to do with it.

Since it's out of warranty now anyway, I can also state that before I took it in, I had actually disassembled my M400 carefully and completely and found that very lightly flexing the mobo near the lower left side (with the top of mobo facing away from you, where it normally is when you use the laptop in a standard position) could also make it hang/freeze. That's when I knew I wasn't going to be able to fix it myself... it was not loose RAM, some kind of HDD issue, or whatever. I don't know if this was some kind of malfunction involving the HDD shock sensor embedded on the mobo, some capacitor on the mobo, or what, but ever since getting the system board replaced I have not had an issue.

I think I had posted this info to some previous thread, but as that was well prior to one of the many forum crashes, I haven't been able to find my original post.

Out of warranty, this means either:
1. Get a new laptop
2. Buy a new system board and replace it out - I think the board alone is around $360 and you have to feel confident enough to disassemble the whole thing (there is a procedure out there on the Net somewhere) and move the CPU
3. Pay a Toshiba service center to replace the mobo for you

Freezing issue aside, what's interesting is that with my original mobo, the M400 did not seem to kick the fan up to high very often under normal use); on the new one, it does tend fire up sooner, very similar to the "M400 fan speed issue" reports on this forum that started around summer 2006. This was NOT attributable to a difference in the BIOS version.

Generally I'm happy with the M400 as it still seems to be just about the only laptop out there that meets my specs for CPU power, portability, Tablet capability, and screen resolution (1400x1050 for me), but I agree I would have to give serious thought to purchasing a Toshiba again. I'd probably want some kind of concession on warranty or price.

[dpeters8445]

Thank you for the reply Tom. It's interesting to see that I'm not the only one to have this problem. As for my M400. I don't think that I'm going to spend the money to fix it. I'm quite happy using my Lenovo X61 for now. My wife is currently using my M400 as a desktop. It's a shame that I only got a little over a years worth of use out of my M400.

Take care, Doug

[TomTanida]

No problem Doug. Even at the time, I know I wasn't the only one with the problem too... I just wish the original forum thread hadn't disappeared or gotten un-locatable (maybe it's still here but I couldn't find it). The original thread probably had many people with many different problems (kinda like this one does, actually), but I know there were definitely a few who were seeing this specific issue, which seemed to increase in severity/sensitivity as the laptop aged.

One corollary note: Toshiba has apparently gotten very "tight" about their warranty. After I got my laptop back, I was denied the opportunity to purchase an extended warranty, as by the time the service center completed the repairs (2 weeks later), I was about *3 days* out of warranty. The service center people were helpful, but they said while Toshiba used to be flexible up to 30 days, now they are really strict. (The repairs themselves were warrantied for 90 days by the service center itself.) To me, this indicates a shift in thinking within Toshiba Corporate.

So it wouldn't surprise me if Toshiba was aware internally about some kind of defect in the early M400's, but I suspect they sure as heck aren't going to fix it if you are 1 day out of warranty.

If my M400 died today for whatever reason, I think Lenovo is probably the first place I'd look for a replacement. I personally wouldn't quite write off Toshiba altogether, but it's unfortunate I just don't have the same confidence in them as I did, say, 5 years ago.

[NeaL376]

my question is...that if I replace my motherboard - will the problem occur again after a few months? will my investment be null or should I just get a new laptop

[assinie_mafia]

No problem Doug. Even at the time, I know I wasn't the only one with the problem too... I just wish the original forum thread hadn't disappeared or gotten un-locatable (maybe it's still here but I couldn't find it). The original thread probably had many people with many different problems (kinda like this one does, actually), but I know there were definitely a few who were seeing this specific issue, which seemed to increase in severity/sensitivity as the laptop aged.

One corollary note: Toshiba has apparently gotten very "tight" about their warranty. After I got my laptop back, I was denied the opportunity to purchase an extended warranty, as by the time the service center completed the repairs (2 weeks later), I was about *3 days* out of warranty. The service center people were helpful, but they said while Toshiba used to be flexible up to 30 days, now they are really strict. (The repairs themselves were warrantied for 90 days by the service center itself.) To me, this indicates a shift in thinking within Toshiba Corporate.

So it wouldn't surprise me if Toshiba was aware internally about some kind of defect in the early M400's, but I suspect they sure as heck aren't going to fix it if you are 1 day out of warranty.

If my M400 died today for whatever reason, I think Lenovo is probably the first place I'd look for a replacement. I personally wouldn't quite write off Toshiba altogether, but it's unfortunate I just don't have the same confidence in them as I did, say, 5 years ago.


<div align="right">Originally posted by TomTanida - Dec 04 2007 : 7:30:20 PM</div id="right">

hey tom... i had purchased a 3 year warranty when i got my m405now i am pretty sure that if i send it to them , they wont be able to fix it. but maybe if i tell them or pay them to do the same procedure u did, maybe they ll be able to get it done. my question to u is : did ur fix work? is it still working fine? are u capable of usinng it as a tablet and move it around? i dont know much about hardware, so ur post was pretty complicated.
let me know and thanks for your help.