Got an IBM 600E. Boots up fine but after a few minutes the screen will go dark. Pressing the screen-off button (as if closing the cover) will turn the screen back on for a second each time the button is released. After pressing the button a few times the screen will stay on for a few more minutes - but will eventually go black again. Anyone got an idea as to what to check? (I've reseated all the ribbon cables attached to the screen).

Tom, June 2006

Probably the back light gone or going. TP600s are getting on a bit now. Your best bet is to go through the diagnostic procedure in the Hardware Maintenance Manual. It has a really good one that you can use to prove the point. Assuming that you don't have a manual, you can download one from: www.lenovo.com. (Lenovo own all of IBM's PC assets now.) If any part of the display has gone then they tend to be an economic write-off or you could use it with an external monitor.

Terry, June 2006