Thinkpads Forum

ThinkPad 600
Windows XP

The laptop was working a few days ago until this error showed up. I wasnt using it so I dont know what happened (have a T23). This morning I took out the floppy drive and im getting the same error. I tried getting into the BIOS but I dont know how. At startup, I press F12 or Delete and it takes me to a screen where I can test the hardware. Everything passes but the hard drive because it doesnt let me click ont he icon.

Could it be that the hard drive died? How do I get into the BIOS into this machine? Any other info you need to help me solve this problem?

F1 to get into your BIOS, won't hurt to load the defaults, but probabally won't help either.

It's worth it to try reseating the hard disk. That means physically removing it and reinserting it. Instructions how with pictures can be found in your Users Guide. A copy of that is available on the IBM/Lenovo web site if you don't have the paperwork which came with the computer.

If that does not help it is likely the disk needs replaced.

Reseated the hdd this morning and same error. I dont know if it's worth buying a new hard drive for this PII 266mhz.

6 to 8 GB tested OK drives can be found on ebay for as little as 20-25$ if you're willing to be patient and bid on a few. But then you have the work of reloading everything...

Ill check for those drives. I dont mind reloading generally, its just that this thing will take hours because it's so slow. About an hour ago I took the drive out and put it in my external enclosure. Ill see if Windows can still read stuff on it but it wont be for another 2 hours.

The hdd died so ill have to get another one.

I just got this error on my T42 (2373-4TU). I tried ctrl+alt+del, hard kills (hold power button until shut off), but kept getting it. Finally, I pressed F1 to check the BIOS and on the restart after exiting the BIOS I pressed F12 and selected the HD from the boot list. Wouldn't you know it, it started! I got all my data off to an external HD and have since restarted it two times (just to test). So far so good. Weird . . .