IBM ThinkPad 600E Error 161, Error 163

[goatape]

Hello,

I have a big problem with a laptop IBM ThinkPad. I wanted to change the operating system to switch to windows 2000. But the bios was not up to date making installation impossible. So I tried to update which was not possible. So I flashed the bios. Just in time to restart the laptop, it asks the password, which was mid to default and then the screen shows a big ERROR 161 and 163 blocks. Unable to access the BIOS "easy setup" or even DOS. How to debug this laptop.

I like to create a bootable diskette to update the bios, but the bootable floppy disk in MS-DOS does not work!

I hope someone can help me fix it. Thank you in advance.

[Theodot]

The error code is quite simple, with 192 indicating a hardware failure.

Error 161 (Dead battery.)
1.Go to "Checking the backup battery" on page 12th
2.Backup battery.
3.System board.

Error 163 (Time and date were not set.)
1.Set time and date.
2.Systemboard

Error 192 (Fan error.)
1.Go to "Testing the computer" on page 7th
2.Measure the voltage ofthe battery backup.
If then voltage is not correct, replace the backup battery.
3.Fan.
4.Systemboard.

[SreeKanth]

Hi,

Press F1 and hold it, and power on the Laptop, to get to the BIOS. Set the date properly, save and exit the BIOS. See if it works.
As mjc has pointed out, the first code means that the CMOS battery is dead and the second one means that the system date is not correct. And the first one is causing the second one.
You can replace the CMOS battery but its not that simple.

Was the laptop working fine before? What did you do and you got these error message? Were you trying to open the laptop, I mean dismantle it, install RAM?

Sometimes, internal components not fitted properly causes such error.

[Kanga]

Errors 161, 192, 163. All three of these errors are connected to the back up battery.

To resolve this problem:
1. open memory flap on base of laptop (small philips screwdriver required)

2. find the small connector with 1 black & 1 red wire coming from it.

3. disconnect above connector and gently pull the Red&black wires. The backup battery should just pull out from under the casing.

4. get replacement battery. Either

a. call IBM spares (07900 247 490 in UK) and ask f
or FRU: 02K6502. UK price is about £8 + £15 delivery + VAT.

b. if comfortable with soldering iron: Carefully open the packaging on the backup battery using a sharp knife. Remove the solder tags from the battery (these are spot welded so need to be cut/broken off). Buy a new CR2025 battery from any computer shop, jeweler, or camera shop. Using electrical tape, insulate all round edge of battery
(see the one just removed). Solder the leads onto the new battery - note polarity. Red wire to +, black wire to -. Using more insulating tape, wrap battery so that all exposed metal is covered.

5. put new battery into laptop (reverse steps 1-3)

6. start up computer, error 192 has gone, but still shows
161, 163. Select OK.

7. reset date & time, and OK

8. when screen shows 'O / I' restart laptop using on/off switch at side.

[GGia]

I tried to fit a new CR2025 battery and battery holder in place of the factory battery. Too large to fit. Battery tested 3.2V. I soldered the factory leads to the battery. Battery tested 2.8V. I installed battery into 600E. Upon pressing F1 and the restart slide switch, got same error codes, 161, 163.

[Rudra.J]

I tried to fit a new CR2025 battery and battery holder in place of the factory battery. Too large to fit. Battery tested 3.2V. I soldered the factory leads to the battery. Battery tested 2.8V. I installed battery into 600E. Upon pressing F1 and the restart slide switch, got same error codes, 161, 163.

If you got the error 161 and 163, you have done the process right. Now go to bios and set the date and time again, save the settings and reboot. Hope this helps...

[GGia]

Thank you.
Can you tell me how to get to Bios page? When I press and hold F1 while starting machine, I again get the error announcement page. That process does not take me to Bios.

[Dolf]

If that is the case then go to BIOS by pressing Del or F1, you will get the access to the BIOS. You can Start with the machine OFF. HOLD DOWN and CONTINUE TO HOLD THE "F1" key. WHILE STILL HOLDING "F1", turn the power on, and CONTINUE TO HOLD "F1" This will get you into the bios "setup." The bios user settings are lost when you remove the battery - once the battery is replaced correctly, you have to go into the bios and at least set the date, save settings, reboot, then the computer should boot as it did before. Or You should check the date, bootup order, etc, and reset.

[sasce]

I have the same problem with error 161 and 163 on 600E, i replaced the dead battery with new one as instructed in manual, the same errors appears again, and what is worse, after pressing f1 and turning it on, it just shows the errors, when i press ok, it just freezes and doesnt react on any button. Does it means the system board is faulty or there is some other way to get to bios?

[GGia]

I also replaced the little wafer-size battery, and I got exactly the same result you have described. (I bought the new, factory-like, replacement battery from eBay at $2.90. I'd say no one should try a home-made, battery replacement effort for the 600e. See my earlier experience in this thread.) Following the instructions offered by others elsewhere in this topic, there presently doesn't seem to be any way to get past the error-code page and into the Bios.) My final attempt before consigning this little computer to the trash bin is to somehow figure out if the two error codes relate to the big battery, which is old. I will not spend $60 for a new battery to find out if that is the problem.