IBM ThinkPad Memory Modules (Kingston) – Technical Problem (1996)

Check Your Product

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

Reason for Recall

As stated by CPSC

Kingston DIMM Module for IBM ThinkPads Recalled by Kingston Tech NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Media Relations May 30, 1996 (301) 504-7908 Release # 96-137 CPSC, Kingston Technology Announce Recall of Kingston DIMM Module for IBM ThinkPads WASHINGTON, D.C. In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Kingston Technology Corporation of Fountain Valley, Calif., is recalling about 27,000 memory modules designed and sold by Kingston for use exclusively with IBM ThinkPad 760 L, LD, C & CD Notebook Computers. The modules may cause a short circuit and result in overheating, smoke, and possibly fire. Kingston has received one report of a short circuit occurring in an IBM ThinkPad 760 computer, which resulted in overheating. Kingston and CPSC are not aware of any injuries or property damage involving the memory module. The Kingston KTM-TP760/16 DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module) is a 16 megabyte memory upgrade. The module, measuring 1 inch by 3.5 inches, fits into a compartment on the bottom of the computer and is sold separately. Distributors, major reseller chains, and independent dealers sold the DIMM modules worldwide from November 1995 through May 1996 at list prices ranging from $500 to $950. No other Kingston products and no IBM products are involved in this recall. Eight megabytes of memory come standard in each IBM ThinkPad 760 L, LD, C and CD computer. Computers with less than 24 megabytes of memory do not, therefore, contain a 16 megabyte memory module and are not affected by this recall. Consumers who own an IBM ThinkPad 760 L, LD, C or CD computer containing 24 or more megabytes of memory should call Kingston at (888) 435-4937. The company will help consumers determine whether their computer contains Kingston memory and whether the memory is subject to this recall, and the company will arrange for the replacement of the module. Additional information about this recall is available on Kingston's home page on the Internet: http://www.kingston.com.

Recommended Action

Per CPSC guidance

The CPSC advises consumers to stop using the product. Contact the manufacturer or return the product to the place of purchase.