Thinkpads Forum

This is a bit of Linux, bit of Windows...so I stuck it here.

I installed Ubuntu since I was getting sick of Windows. Then I got annoyed with Linux.

I formatted the drive with PC Doctor, but now when I hook it up via USB after booting off my other Windows drive, it doesn't come up. Well it does, but only in the add/remove hardware, but it's not accessible.

I think I have to do something with the MBR, but is there any way I could just call up IBM and tell them my HD stopped working? I have enough headaches as it is!

Stick it back in the laptop and format it using a windows install cd. Just start the installation and abort after it formats.
You could also go to http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ and download it, burn it to a cd and use one of the many tools on it to check and format your disk.
IBM may charge you if you get them to replace the disk and there is nothing wrong with it.

Thanks.

I saw a lot of info regarding different boot discs, but I also saw things that said it was a waste of time!

I'll give your suggestions a whirl.

Much appreciated,
Dan

Once you get the UBCD running hit F2 and use the right arrow key to find the Hitachi Drive Fitness Test. It will check your drive and let you zero it properly and I think format it.

I'm giving the XP disc a try right now, but I will follow that if this doesn't work.

edit- I cut it off after the format was complete, and cloning my old drive worked. MBR is back.

To quote Borat, "Great success!"

Thanks carbon_unit!