Hello,

After backing up my computer for a reformat, I decided to create system recovery disks. I inserted a CD, and got an "unspecified error" message with the code 0x80004005. My computer no longer recognizes any disks I put in it, including my Windows 7 disk, and makes a sound I've never heard before, that sounds like the drive starting to run, then failing before it gets to speed.
Is it possible that Windows has somehow deactivated my disk drive, or could it have happened to fail minutes before a reformat due to the strain of having to burn a CD? Is there some way for me to salvage the hard drive without taking physical measures?

Thanks for any help.

Also, if the hard drive is toast, is it possible for me to copy files from the Windows 7 CD to USB, and boot it from there?

From your description, your optical drive (CD/DVD) is toast, NOT the hard drive!
It's easy enough to remove it and replace it with a working one.
http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/product ... MIGR-62822
Check our Marketplace Forum or eBay, look for "Ultrabay Slim" drives.
Without the CD drive, your laptop should boot from the HD without any problems.

And, yes you can install Windows 7 from a USB flash drive, without the need of an optical drive (in the ThinkPad).

http://www.intowindows.com/how-to-insta ... ing-guide/

Err yes, the hard drive is still fine. I guess this is what happens when I post at 3 in the morning!
Thank you for the advice. I did indeed find that guide later on last night, and made an ISO copy of my Windows 7 installation disk, and am just waiting until I get my hands on a flash drive large enough to carry the file.
Can the Windows 7 USB DVD Download Tool be used for the same purpose?