Is this a harddrive issue?

FYI, I have a T61 (4:3 screen), nVidia Quadro NVS 128MB graphics, 2GB Ram, 120GB 5400 rpm drive, win Xp pro, 3945ABG wireless.

Also, on 11/2007 I purchased a 2 yr exress depot warranty.

Question no. 1 - since 1 year warranty is included, is 2yr depot supposed to increase the warranty by 2 year After the 1 yr warranty expires? Or is my 2yr warranty expired as of 11/2009 (2 yrs from purchase)?

Question no. 2 - About a month ago, I noticed that the bootup was taking longer than usuall. My computer would sit at the 'welcome' screen for about 1 or 2 mins before going to the homescreen.

Two days ago, it just stuck on the 'welcome' screen. When I did a forced shotdown, it did the harddrive check for errors, and no errors showed up.

But the computer would be stuck at the 'welcome' screen.

After a few hard reboots, I started seeing some errors at the screen, something that ' cannot be authenticated', etc... I finally was able to get to teh logon screen, but the comuter won't let me logon.

I have, using the thinkvantage restore, restored my pc to the April 2009 date and now it's booting up, but when I try to update my computer, my tp freezes. Also, when I try to open IE explorer, my comp stops working.

Do you think I have a harddrive issue to the point that I should change my drive or do I just need to reload my window (ie. restore everything to the factory state)?

I have 100GB HD, but only 30GB is available since last checked. I did defrag about 3 weeks ago, thinking it would speed up the boot time, but it did not.

I also ran a registry cleaner program, so perhaps that had something to do with my issues now.

Question No. 3 - if I end up getting a new drive, will 500GB, 7200 rpm work with my T61?

Thanks to all in advance.

 

I think your problems are all OS related. Suggest trying to install cleanly I mean from the restore CDs as your recovery seems to have been corrupted. No need for a new drive at this moment. Some on other threads have installed that size and speed drive so IMO should not be a problem.

By the way we have the same model same vintage. If you look at another thread 2 years after the fact I learned my LCD was made in 2005. Yes 05 for an 07 model!. After you are done can you run PC Doctor and tell me when your LCD was manufactured? If you are missing PC Doctor maybe I can instant message it to you when you are done.

Actually before you try a clean install make sure to back up all the data. Also go into Software Folder and you will find PC Doctor and other original Loonovo provided software there. Make sure to copy the folder.

Other option you can do is just get the new drive anyway and then do the clean install. Put old one in a caddy or ultrabay and pull your data files that way or put on friends computer as a second drive.

 

I think you had a 2 year warranty but check the site. Will give you a date. Did you use a credit card? Most extend the warranty by an additional year but you would have to take it up with the issuer not Loonovo.

 

Can also try to boot into a disk check ie SMART utility to test the drive instead of booting into Windoze. Actually that way you will know if its hardware or OS.

 

I think if you had one year of normal warranty and bough two more you have three years of warranty.

 

Your purchase of a 2 year warranty replaces the base 1-year warranty, so it expires 2 years from the date of purchase.

 

Janel is right, Renee is wrong.

 

thanks for all the replies. Is there a way to test the harddrive? I suspect I may be able to perform the test using pc-doctor software. Any better softwares out there?

 

Update -
DOS PC doctor diagnosed three problems with the HD (three tests failed - SMART Short Test, SMART Extended Self Test and Surface Scan Test).

But I also found that my cpu was misconfigured (MultiCore Test) and the SMBIOS Test failed.

Does this mean I have bigger problems that just the harddisk?

Also, how do I find the info on the manufacturer of the LCD? My PC Doctor does not have this info.

Thanks

 

ok so you need a new HDD. not sure about the BIOS messages. most efficient thing to do is to call Loonovo. They will support your unit, just out of warranty so wont cover repair. have them help you wit what the dirty messages and sounds mean. BTW i dont think its serious.

 

I don't know that I'm wrong. I bought a new T61p. It came with one year of base warranty and two years of purchased warranty. I bought the T61p two years ago and the warranty, provided by Lenovo is up in October.
Renee

 

Wrong. I think you are mixed up on wut you bawt.

 

Did a search and SMBIOS turned out to be non serious. Same with CPU mutlicore misconfiguring. Just ordered a new drive, will also install win 7 fresh.

Thanks all.

 

I'm not mixed up on what i bought. I know what I bought. You are wrong on what I purchased. How would you know?
Renee

 

Agree to disagree. See ya.