Computer Troubleshooting/Help Master Thread

[Yo ssi]

Is it possible that the computer is getting too hot? Running extra monitors places greater strain on the graphics controller (integrated, I assume). (It wasn't that long ago that running extra monitors required a dedicated graphics card.) Do you find that the computer is running louder/hotter only when a monitor is in? If so, try clearing out dust from inside using a can of compressed air.

Interesting thought, it does have dedicated graphics though. It's a Thinkpad is always running hot, nothing more than usual. I'll try some compressed air.

[Yo ssi]

Whatever the issue is, if it happens 'only' when a 2nd screen is plugged in, you have to check if the problem comes from the monitor or from the laptop.
1) Try it with a different monitor.
2) Does your laptop have another port where you can plug in the HDMI or connect the 2nd screen with any other video cable?
3) Sometimes the issue can come with the motherboard itself that it has some faulty parts, Check if your laptop is still under warranty, if yes Lenovo can swap the motherboard, I've had it a few times.

There's only one HDMI port, sending it in is a pain and it means I'll be heavily limited till it gets back.
I should try another monitor but I don't think that's the issue.

[mlardi]

There's only one HDMI port, sending it in is a pain and it means I'll be heavily limited till it gets back.
I should try another monitor but I don't think that's the issue.

By me they came down to swap the motherboard, I guess it depends on the level of warranty the laptop has.
Before troubleshooting further we have to eliminate the causes that's why you should test with a different monitor.
What other ports does the laptop have besides HDMI?

[Yo ssi]

By me they came down to swap the motherboard, I guess it depends on the level of warranty the laptop has.
Before troubleshooting further we have to eliminate the causes that's why you should test with a different monitor.
What other ports does the laptop have besides HDMI?

Agreed the thing that makes it difficult is it's very random and not specific to the task I'm doing.

Ports:

1 Optional: Smart card reader
2 SD card reader
3 USB-A 3.2 Gen 1
4 Kensington lock slot
5 HDMI 2.1/2.0
6 USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 (always on)
7 Optional: Nano-SIM card slot
8 Headphone / mic combo
9 RJ45
10 USB-C
11 2 x USB-C Thunderbolt™ 4
12 Power in

[mlardi]

Agreed the thing that makes it difficult is it's very random and not specific to the task I'm doing.

Ports:

1 Optional: Smart card reader
2 SD card reader
3 USB-A 3.2 Gen 1
4 Kensington lock slot
5 HDMI 2.1/2.0
6 USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 (always on)
7 Optional: Nano-SIM card slot
8 Headphone / mic combo
9 RJ45
10 USB-C
11 2 x USB-C Thunderbolt™ 4
12 Power in

You can try it with a USB C/A to HDMI and see if the original HDMI port is the issue
But I think the 1st step is to try with a different monitor. test and let us know.

[Yo ssi]

You can try it with a USB C/A to HDMI and see if the original HDMI port is the issue
But I think the 1st step is to try with a different monitor. test and let us know.

I didn't like the USB C to HDMI because it caps it at 60hz, but I think I'll try that for a bit.


Anyone ever tried these compressed air things?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083LNC6NR

[mlardi]

I didn't like the USB C to HDMI because it caps it at 60hz, but I think I'll try that for a bit.


Anyone ever tried these compressed air things?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083LNC6NR

Just get the USB c for testing. We have to eliminate the possible causes

[Darth1]

I recently bought a new SSD and when I attach it to my laptop on my second slot the computer wont boot up, not even into BIOS. It just stays on the logo screen. I have a working SSD in my other slot. I know both slots work, only when I try putting in my new SSD am I having issues. I do have the boot preference in BIOS set to my old SSD slot. Any idea of what I should do?

[Moshe Green]

I recently bought a new SSD and when I attach it to my laptop on my second slot the computer wont boot up, not even into BIOS. It just stays on the logo screen. I have a working SSD in my other slot. I know both slots work, only when I try putting in my new SSD am I having issues. I do have the boot preference in BIOS set to my old SSD slot. Any idea of what I should do?

its very very rare but its possible that the new SSD is broken. Can you try to put it in a different computer and see what happens?

[Yo ssi]

It froze again!

A few things to note
I am using the same screen but this time using a HDMI adapter (which only worked once I change my screen to HDMI 2.0)
I had music playing from Spotify via Bluetooth and it stopped after a minute, preceded to resume for a minute until it finally stopped again (all with my mouse frozen)
Fans still spinning.
It didn't happen after clicking on anything I was just moving around my mouse (obviously other stuff could be happening in the background)
Brightness shortcut is working even through a Bluetooth connected keyboard

I'm not sure what the conclusion is but I'm leaning towards memory which if anyone knows a good way to test please let me know.

[mlardi]

It froze again!
I'm not sure what the conclusion is but I'm leaning towards memory which if anyone knows a good way to test please let me know.

Windows has a built-in RAM testing tool.
To launch the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool, open the Start menu, type “Windows Memory Diagnostic”, and press Enter.
You can also press Windows Key+R, type “mdsched.exe” into the Run dialog that appears, and press Enter.
You’ll need to reboot your computer to perform the test. While the test is happening, you won’t be able to use your computer.
To agree to this, click “Restart now and check for problems (recommended).” Be sure to save your work first. Your computer will immediately restart.
Your computer will restart and the Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool screen will appear. Just leave it be and let it perform the test. This may take several minutes. During this process, you’ll see a progress bar and a “Status” message will inform you if any problems have been detected during the process.
However, you don’t need to watch the test—you can leave your computer alone and come back to see the results later.
When it’s done, your computer will automatically reboot and return to the Windows desktop. After you log in, the test results will appear.

[Yo ssi]

Windows has a built-in RAM testing tool.
To launch the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool, open the Start menu, type “Windows Memory Diagnostic”, and press Enter.
You can also press Windows Key+R, type “mdsched.exe” into the Run dialog that appears, and press Enter.
You’ll need to reboot your computer to perform the test. While the test is happening, you won’t be able to use your computer.
To agree to this, click “Restart now and check for problems (recommended).” Be sure to save your work first. Your computer will immediately restart.
Your computer will restart and the Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool screen will appear. Just leave it be and let it perform the test. This may take several minutes. During this process, you’ll see a progress bar and a “Status” message will inform you if any problems have been detected during the process.
However, you don’t need to watch the test—you can leave your computer alone and come back to see the results later.
When it’s done, your computer will automatically reboot and return to the Windows desktop. After you log in, the test results will appear.

Ran for 3 hours and got no results on boot!

ETA
Nothing in event viewer. I only see a MemoryDiagnostics-Schedule, no results.

[mlardi]

Ran for 3 hours and got no results on boot!

ETA
Nothing in event viewer. I only see a MemoryDiagnostics-Schedule, no results.

You can try to run it again, or try this software MemTest86
https://www.memtest86.com/

[Yo ssi]

You can try to run it again, or try this software MemTest86
https://www.memtest86.com/

Tried to run it again, no luck. I guess I'll have to try MemTest86. I've seen it suggested.

[Darth1]

its very very rare but its possible that the new SSD is broken. Can you try to put it in a different computer and see what happens?

I used an external m.2 reader and was able to use the hard drive. I cloned my current hard drive onto the new one. I am still unable to use the new SSD! Whenever it is plugged into either of the 2 slots on my motherboard the computer wont boot up. Wont boot into bios either. I know both slots work. Any advice?

[Yo ssi]

Update

I couldn't get the windows memory diagnostic tool to load the results after trying twice. Memtest86 I couldn't get to boot, I tried on two laptops.
Ending up going for Lenovo diagnostics it ran for about 15 hours and all tests passed.

Meanwhile have been using the screen on a 2nd laptop with no issues.

I'm not sure the next steps.

[lcm]

Update

I couldn't get the windows memory diagnostic tool to load the results after trying twice. Memtest86 I couldn't get to boot, I tried on two laptops.
Ending up going for Lenovo diagnostics it ran for about 15 hours and all tests passed.

Meanwhile have been using the screen on a 2nd laptop with no issues.

I'm not sure the next steps.

Make sure graphics load is being handled by the dedicated graphics card and not the integrated

[Yo ssi]

Make sure graphics load is being handled by the dedicated graphics card and not the integrated

I turn on my laptop go to the Nvidia settings and switch it. I then plug in my screen and bam it's frozen

[Definitions]

If I have a used hard drive. Unknown if there are any viruses on it. How can plug it in a way it won't affect my computer.

I don't mind plugging it in and having to reset my PC  if something is found. But I'm not sure how to check the hard drive

[yoshyosh]

I turn on my laptop go to the Nvidia settings and switch it. I then plug in my screen and bam it's frozen

Update the drivers use the Windows graphics settings