Laptop Flashes then Freezes

[anthonyn66]

This has only been happening for a week out of nowhere:

I can run Windows for 30 seconds to 5 minutes before the screen flash, then everything freezes. I reformatted, and it still happens, including on bios and on the setup. On startup before Windows even boots it sometimes locks up. What do I do? I'm sure its not about memory.

It's not a virus either, I reformatted, and it's still doing it.

edit: btw the laptop is a Thinkpad T40 series, a little old, but still worked fine up until that point

 

[KSoD]

Hello,

It can be a couple of things. So lets try MemTest86 first.

Memtest86 - Download Page

Download the ISO and burn the ISO as is with ImgBurn.

Burning ISO Images with ImgBurn - NeoSmart Technologies Wiki

Run that to see if it gives you any RAM Errors. If so than that could very well be your issue. It could also be heat. Do you have a good air flow for the laptop? Have you tried to blow out the fan area with a can of compressed air?

Regards,