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Memory Modules

CPSC Recall #96-137 — May 29, 1996

Recall Summary

Recall Number96-137
Recall DateMay 29, 1996
Remedy TypeReplace
Units Affected27,000

Where It Was Sold

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.

Product

Memory Modules

Description

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.

Hazard

The modules may cause a short circuit and result in overheating, smoke, and possibly fire.

Incidents & Injuries

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.

Remedy Instructions

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.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Replace) at no cost to you.

If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident — they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.

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