Laptops Notebooks
--
Questions
--
Followers
Top Experts
did my new hard drive corruppted BIOS?
Usually I am the one giving advice or helping others with their Computer issues but this time I am stumped and need assistance from the experts.
Here is the scenario:
My IBM T30 had a 40 GB hard drive with windows XP SP2 installed and was running great for several years. Â
Long story short&
I usually wipe out the hard drive and reinstall windows every 6 months to a year pending on issues or to use Linux instead& should have dual booted but oh well&.
I noticed my hard drive began to click  every so often, and determined I needed a new one ASAP.
I got a Western Digital (WD1200BEVE ?) 120GB hard drive for space and a speed upgrade.
"Â Â Â Â Â Â When I installed the drive to the T30:
"Â Â Â Â Â Â The BIOS had exclamation points after the drive, possibly Corrupted?
"      Windows XP would not install, and only saw  69 GB on the partition but could not edit/create/etc to the drive.
"Â Â Â Â Â Â I tried a vista CD and it only noticed 39GB or so when then the install failed.
"Â Â Â Â Â Â I booted from the vista CD and somehow got it to boot into safemode. Â The hard drive read 62B
I gave up on this 120GB drive and put my old trusty but failing 40 GB back in. Â
Now the BIOS sees the drive but still ahs exclamation points after what I presume is the S/N and Windows would not boot.
I tried the hard drive error detection disks (WD for the 120GB and Hitachi for the 40GB). Â I could not write 0s to the 120GB.
Is it possible the 120 GB corrupted the BIOS to not read any hard drive?
Please excuse me if I am rambling. Â I can clarify my post if required.
Here is the scenario:
My IBM T30 had a 40 GB hard drive with windows XP SP2 installed and was running great for several years. Â
Long story short&
I usually wipe out the hard drive and reinstall windows every 6 months to a year pending on issues or to use Linux instead& should have dual booted but oh well&.
I noticed my hard drive began to click  every so often, and determined I needed a new one ASAP.
I got a Western Digital (WD1200BEVE ?) 120GB hard drive for space and a speed upgrade.
"Â Â Â Â Â Â When I installed the drive to the T30:
"Â Â Â Â Â Â The BIOS had exclamation points after the drive, possibly Corrupted?
"      Windows XP would not install, and only saw  69 GB on the partition but could not edit/create/etc to the drive.
"Â Â Â Â Â Â I tried a vista CD and it only noticed 39GB or so when then the install failed.
"Â Â Â Â Â Â I booted from the vista CD and somehow got it to boot into safemode. Â The hard drive read 62B
I gave up on this 120GB drive and put my old trusty but failing 40 GB back in. Â
Now the BIOS sees the drive but still ahs exclamation points after what I presume is the S/N and Windows would not boot.
I tried the hard drive error detection disks (WD for the 120GB and Hitachi for the 40GB). Â I could not write 0s to the 120GB.
Is it possible the 120 GB corrupted the BIOS to not read any hard drive?
Please excuse me if I am rambling. Â I can clarify my post if required.
Zero AI Policy
We believe in human intelligence. Our moderation policy strictly prohibits the use of LLM content in our Q&A threads.
have you tried to upgrade your bios?
you can flash your bios by removing your cmos battery which will restore you bios if you believe it is 'corrupt' i would also try getting the latest bios upgrade for your motherboard which you can lookup on their website.
welmore + tycoot   thanks for the replies...
1. Â I have an updated BIOS (it is the latest one on Lenovo's site - 1IET71WW (2.10) )
2.  I also already  tried to "flash the bios" and removed the battery.  it seems like that did was reset the date and time
As of the incident i remove the battery, HDD, and CMOS battery - they have been disconnected for the last 3 days.
If it is any help, the error detection disk said something to the effect of the cable was not securly connected. I proceded to take apart the laptop... the IDE cable was secured to the motherboard and the hard drive connector.
1. Â I have an updated BIOS (it is the latest one on Lenovo's site - 1IET71WW (2.10) )
2.  I also already  tried to "flash the bios" and removed the battery.  it seems like that did was reset the date and time
As of the incident i remove the battery, HDD, and CMOS battery - they have been disconnected for the last 3 days.
If it is any help, the error detection disk said something to the effect of the cable was not securly connected. I proceded to take apart the laptop... the IDE cable was secured to the motherboard and the hard drive connector.
EARN REWARDS FOR ASKING, ANSWERING, AND MORE.
Earn free swag for participating on the platform.
Do you have a tool like hirensbootcd (can download quickly) or anything to get into a linux livecd or PE environment and see if you can see it natively?
tycoot:
I have a Knoppix live cd from 5 or so years ago. Â I used that to help with hard drive issues for family/friends/etc.
I havent tried it yet. Â I am currently waiting on my replacement 120GB hard drive as it was "presumed" corrupt. Â hopefully the new drive is fine and solves the issues. Â but im still not sure why my original 40GB drive is not shown as "connected"
I'll try the knoppix CD and report back.. it may take some time though, because I ordered a keyboard last week and can not turn on the laptop yet
I have a Knoppix live cd from 5 or so years ago. Â I used that to help with hard drive issues for family/friends/etc.
I havent tried it yet. Â I am currently waiting on my replacement 120GB hard drive as it was "presumed" corrupt. Â hopefully the new drive is fine and solves the issues. Â but im still not sure why my original 40GB drive is not shown as "connected"
I'll try the knoppix CD and report back.. it may take some time though, because I ordered a keyboard last week and can not turn on the laptop yet
eek sounds like your having lots of problems
Get a FREE t-shirt when you ask your first question.
We believe in human intelligence. Our moderation policy strictly prohibits the use of LLM content in our Q&A threads.
yeah...
I even thought my system board failed but then the unit would not power on whatsoever.
The items should arrive before Saturday, though, I may just try my Brother in law's T21 for the Keybard and or Hard Drive check to determine if its my laptop or the hard drive(s). Â lil' process of ellimination...
I just hope my Hard drive does not corrupt his system, OR his hard drive doesnt get corrupted by my system somehow... Â
...thus the main reason why I need to know "if it is possible for a hard drive to  corrupt the BIOS and the BIOS passes the coprruption along to all other Hard drives that are attached to the system?"
I even thought my system board failed but then the unit would not power on whatsoever.
The items should arrive before Saturday, though, I may just try my Brother in law's T21 for the Keybard and or Hard Drive check to determine if its my laptop or the hard drive(s). Â lil' process of ellimination...
I just hope my Hard drive does not corrupt his system, OR his hard drive doesnt get corrupted by my system somehow... Â
...thus the main reason why I need to know "if it is possible for a hard drive to  corrupt the BIOS and the BIOS passes the coprruption along to all other Hard drives that are attached to the system?"
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
Log in or create a free account to see answer.
Signing up is free and takes 30 seconds. No credit card required.
hmmm...  tycoot you may be  right...  it may the the controller on the MoBo or the HD cable
If I recall correctly from the moment that Windows XP didnt recognize the hard drive during installation I went into the BIOS and...
My BIOS had something like: Â Â Â IC25N040ATCS04-4-(PM) ! ! !
when it should have read: Â Â IC25N040ATCS04-4-(PM)
The hard disk analyzer tool disks had the same  with 3 exclamation points at the end of that line for each hard drive.
I found this helpful (IBM BIOS simulator) @ Â http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-42632Â
under Startup >Â Boot >Â Hard Drive
I will post further details when i get back to the machine and try the T21.
If I recall correctly from the moment that Windows XP didnt recognize the hard drive during installation I went into the BIOS and...
My BIOS had something like: Â Â Â IC25N040ATCS04-4-(PM) ! ! !
when it should have read: Â Â IC25N040ATCS04-4-(PM)
The hard disk analyzer tool disks had the same  with 3 exclamation points at the end of that line for each hard drive.
I found this helpful (IBM BIOS simulator) @ Â http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-42632Â
under Startup >Â Boot >Â Hard Drive
I will post further details when i get back to the machine and try the T21.
I'm curious now so please do update
EARN REWARDS FOR ASKING, ANSWERING, AND MORE.
Earn free swag for participating on the platform.
Removing the CMOS battery will reset the clock AND the CMOS memory where the BIOS setup stores its settings. That's a CMOS reset, very handy and useful sometimes, but not always. Actually FLASHING the BIOS requires a particular program (to reprogram the EEPROM) and a specific BIOS data file that you need to get from IBM or the BIOS maker. It is crucial to get the correct file for your laptop model and BIOS!
In this case I think the CMOS may have gotten upset and you didn't reset it thoroughly, so you can try it again, but leave the HD out, let it settle with no HD in the system.
The new hard drive may possibly be too big for this system = the BIOS can't recognise it in its entirety. Try to find out what the limits are (the system documentation or handbook) and see if there is a flash upgrad to cure the problem or if you need to get hold of a smaller drive.
/RID
In this case I think the CMOS may have gotten upset and you didn't reset it thoroughly, so you can try it again, but leave the HD out, let it settle with no HD in the system.
The new hard drive may possibly be too big for this system = the BIOS can't recognise it in its entirety. Try to find out what the limits are (the system documentation or handbook) and see if there is a flash upgrad to cure the problem or if you need to get hold of a smaller drive.
/RID
rid, Â Â thanks for the reply and the info about the CMOS battery reset...
>Â I have the latest BIOS version, I flashed it this past year to the latest verson on Lenovo's website.
>Â I also have removed the CMOS replaced it without the hard drive in. Â
>Â I have disconnected the HDD, batteties and other items from the machine until I gather the patience to work on it again...(and the replacement 120GB HDD comes in, the seller said it must be corrupted and asked me to send it back for a new one.)
>Â I know for a fact that this particular machine and BIOS supports up to 250GB, possibly more so my 120GB shouldn't be an issue.
Saturday  I can get my Bro-in-law's laptop, and test things out some more and will reply back with updated information (and quite possibly more questions) at that time.
>Â I have the latest BIOS version, I flashed it this past year to the latest verson on Lenovo's website.
>Â I also have removed the CMOS replaced it without the hard drive in. Â
>Â I have disconnected the HDD, batteties and other items from the machine until I gather the patience to work on it again...(and the replacement 120GB HDD comes in, the seller said it must be corrupted and asked me to send it back for a new one.)
>Â I know for a fact that this particular machine and BIOS supports up to 250GB, possibly more so my 120GB shouldn't be an issue.
Saturday  I can get my Bro-in-law's laptop, and test things out some more and will reply back with updated information (and quite possibly more questions) at that time.
It will be interesting to see what happens when the new (presumably good) 120G drive is connected. Perhaps the BIOS quirk with the ! is just something that can be ignored or it goes away with a healthy drive.
Cheers
/RID
Cheers
/RID
Get a FREE t-shirt when you ask your first question.
We believe in human intelligence. Our moderation policy strictly prohibits the use of LLM content in our Q&A threads.
yeah but his 40 was just clicking before, so i dont think it was his drive(very possible the new 120 is bad but the 40 should still recognize) it sounds like the controller went out or by some miracle the cable/connector pins got bent when installing the new one.
I will try the new 120 and the 40 in the other laptop if one or both work then i know its my machine like tycoot said its either the controller on the MoBo or something is wrong with the hard drive's cable/connection. Then I will take it apart again and ensure the cable is secure at both ends.
I will report back sometime this weekend!
thanks for all the help so far. Â hopefully it can be salvaged, otherwise ill be running a linux live CD every time i need to use the laptop. Â not a bad idea for security just not patient enough for those long load times.
I will report back sometime this weekend!
thanks for all the help so far. Â hopefully it can be salvaged, otherwise ill be running a linux live CD every time i need to use the laptop. Â not a bad idea for security just not patient enough for those long load times.
Ubuntu installs nicely on most laptops, you should try it :)
/RID
/RID
EARN REWARDS FOR ASKING, ANSWERING, AND MORE.
Earn free swag for participating on the platform.
rid...
 I am a linux fan BTW... if my machine cant see the Hard drive i cant install  ubuntu and have to run Linux Live. Â
also. Â I tried Ubuntu and dont like it as much as other Linux OS's. Â i prefer Fedora, debian, and Suse
 I am a linux fan BTW... if my machine cant see the Hard drive i cant install  ubuntu and have to run Linux Live. Â
also. Â I tried Ubuntu and dont like it as much as other Linux OS's. Â i prefer Fedora, debian, and Suse
OK! I meant that you should try to install (any flavour of) Linux, just as a test. If the BIOS has one opinion about the HD size that isn't exactly right, you may still be able to get the full size in Linux; worth a try if it doesn't work out with Windows.
/RID
/RID
here they show the T30 with 20 and 40 Gb drivesand up to 60 ; so i doubt it can handle 120 Gb (possible though) without a bios update
here the list of supported drives : Â
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?sitestyle=lenovo&lndocid=MIGR-62282
**the system update 3.13 may help too
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/product.do?template=/product.do?template=%2Fproductpage%2Flandingpages%2FproductPageLandingPage.vm&sitestyle=lenovo&brandind=10&familyind=99273&machineind=0&modelind=0&partnumberind=0&subcategoryind=0&doctypeind=9&doccategoryind=0&operatingsystemind=53385&validate=true
here the list of supported drives : Â
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?sitestyle=lenovo&lndocid=MIGR-62282
**the system update 3.13 may help too
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/product.do?template=/product.do?template=%2Fproductpage%2Flandingpages%2FproductPageLandingPage.vm&sitestyle=lenovo&brandind=10&familyind=99273&machineind=0&modelind=0&partnumberind=0&subcategoryind=0&doctypeind=9&doccategoryind=0&operatingsystemind=53385&validate=true
Get a FREE t-shirt when you ask your first question.
We believe in human intelligence. Our moderation policy strictly prohibits the use of LLM content in our Q&A threads.
rid,
If the BIOS can not see the HD, then there is NO WAY any OS can see it Windows or Linux.
Again, with my 40 GB HD in the BIOS settings I should see- Â Â IC25N040ATCS04-4-(PM)
But I instead I see something to the affect of- Â Â IC35N040ATCS04-4 -! Â ! ! ! (PM)
Also, just to clarify I did try to install Fedora 8 on the 40 GB but it did not see the HD.  the Fedora DVD is fine as I installed it on this same machine a few  months ago, before reluctantly switching back to Wondows.
Nobus,
I am 99.9% sure that it is NOT the hard drive's size since my 40 GB OEM, factory installed Hard drive does not work. Â The 120 GB hard drive will work in a T30 as I have a co-worker that has a 160GB hard drive in their T30 and everything runs beautifully.
As I said before. Â
I am almost certain that what TYCOOT said earlier (04.23.2008 at 12:05PM EDT) is plausible and  accurate.  the Hard drive controller could be messed up OR the hard drive connection to the HD slot or MoBo.  I have not had a chance to take apart the machine to check the connection.
I will report back when I test the connections. Â Please be aware that I am quite computer savvy and utilize Windows AND Linux, and have been an avid supporter of IBM/Lenovo for many years. Â Most of everything that is being said I have tried, to no avail. Â it is most likely a controller issue on the MoBo.
If the BIOS can not see the HD, then there is NO WAY any OS can see it Windows or Linux.
Again, with my 40 GB HD in the BIOS settings I should see- Â Â IC25N040ATCS04-4-(PM)
But I instead I see something to the affect of- Â Â IC35N040ATCS04-4 -! Â ! ! ! (PM)
Also, just to clarify I did try to install Fedora 8 on the 40 GB but it did not see the HD.  the Fedora DVD is fine as I installed it on this same machine a few  months ago, before reluctantly switching back to Wondows.
Nobus,
I am 99.9% sure that it is NOT the hard drive's size since my 40 GB OEM, factory installed Hard drive does not work. Â The 120 GB hard drive will work in a T30 as I have a co-worker that has a 160GB hard drive in their T30 and everything runs beautifully.
As I said before. Â
I am almost certain that what TYCOOT said earlier (04.23.2008 at 12:05PM EDT) is plausible and  accurate.  the Hard drive controller could be messed up OR the hard drive connection to the HD slot or MoBo.  I have not had a chance to take apart the machine to check the connection.
I will report back when I test the connections. Â Please be aware that I am quite computer savvy and utilize Windows AND Linux, and have been an avid supporter of IBM/Lenovo for many years. Â Most of everything that is being said I have tried, to no avail. Â it is most likely a controller issue on the MoBo.
OK... the WEIRDEST thing just happened. Â
i put my T30 HD in my Brother in law's T23 and it booted windows fine on the T23...
then out of curiosity i took that same HD and put it in my T30 and...... my T30 booted into windows.... Â
I am totally confused and have many more questions about WHY this happened and wasresolved...
but YAY my T30 is back up and running!!! Â
Thanks all for the help!... Â Â
i put my T30 HD in my Brother in law's T23 and it booted windows fine on the T23...
then out of curiosity i took that same HD and put it in my T30 and...... my T30 booted into windows.... Â
I am totally confused and have many more questions about WHY this happened and wasresolved...
but YAY my T30 is back up and running!!! Â
Thanks all for the help!... Â Â
Laptops Notebooks
--
Questions
--
Followers
Top Experts
A laptop or notebook is a portable personal computer with a clamshell form factor, suitable for mobile use. Although originally there was a distinction between laptops and notebooks, the former being bigger and heavier than the latter, there is often no longer any difference. Laptops are commonly used in a variety of settings, such as at work, in education, and for personal multimedia. A laptop combines the components, inputs, outputs and capabilities of a desktop computer, including the display screen, speakers, a keyboard, and pointing devices (such as a touchpad or trackpad) into a single unit. The device can be powered either from a rechargeable battery or by mains electricity from an AC adapter.