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    Thinkpad Z61t Can't Find HDD

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by Toys4Boys, Feb 7, 2009.

  1. Toys4Boys

    Toys4Boys Notebook Enthusiast

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    Two days ago I reformatted my computer and did a clean install of Vista Business SP1 on 1 partition and XP PRO SP2 on another. All seemed fine and I began updating drivers and adding back my essential programs to the Vista partition. There where a few reboots along the way and everything was working pretty much as expected although there were a couple of what seemed insignificant bumps along the way. I had just about finished and was planning to create a backup of the partition but this time when I rebooted no joy. I was unable to boot to either partition, could not repair the install, had no luck trying to reload the OS, wiped the HDD clean writing 0's in 2 passes using Acronis Director Boot Disc reformatted and again tried to install OS to no avail. The problem appears to be that the system can not locate the HDD, I can locate it using the Acronis DD boot disc but am unable to find it booting from a UBCD disc. I have run M$ Memory Diagnostic disc test and memory seems ok and even tried a new HDD.

    I'm guessing there is a problem w/ the BIOS but would appreciate any insight as I'm out of my depth and don't want to attempt a BIOS flash if its not needed.

    TIA
     
    Toys4Boys, Feb 7, 2009
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  2. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    Got another drive you can try?
     
    ZaZ, Feb 7, 2009
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  3. Toys4Boys

    Toys4Boys Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hello ZaZ and thanks for replying. My apologies for not responding sooner, yes I did try a different drive w/ the same results but after googling again w/ a different search term found the answer and what a BIG D'oh! I was in the process of adding the finishing touches to my 10th attempt at a dual partition clean install of Vista & XP but some odd things were happening and in the process of troubleshooting set the BIOS back to default, ouch. So after resetting the BIOS back to "compatibility mode" I was able to once again go about the process of reformatting etc, etc, etc. For what its worth the odd problems that I was having appear to have been related to some corrupt driver or drivers. Anyway that problem was solved but when dealing w/ M$ & Vista, I'm truly a glutton for punishment, there are seemingly endless possibilities for fun. I don't know why people bother writing viruses it seems that M$ does a fine job of that.

    Anyway thanks again for lending a helping hand.
     
    Toys4Boys, Feb 11, 2009
    #3