T42p will not format hard drive.

[prisoner2019]

Hello,

I am trying to install Windows 7 on my T42p with a Seagate ST910021A. I boot from the DVD and start the install. On the area to format the hard drive I get: Error: 0x80070057 Disk can't be formatted. I've tried another hard drive as well and get the same issue. I can put the hard drive in my desktop computer and it formats fine.

I've seen this error on the web and nobody seems to have any way to solve it. I've tested the ram, replaced the cd drive, tried several OS disks.

Nothing lets me format the drives.

Is there a specific driver I need to load?

[RealBlackStuff]

This is a known W7 problem.
If you have it, use an XP or Vista CD, and start installation from there.
Abort the install as soon as the HD has been partitioned/formatted using the NTFS format.
Then put your W7 disk back in.
It should now work.

[prisoner2019]

::UPDATE::

I have tried formatting using Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7, all of which got the same error. After countless hours of frustration I sent my laptop in for repair and this is what they discovered:

At this time one of our certified technicians has diagnosed your computer and it has damaged South Bridge chip with integrated Hard Drive Controller, Keyboard, TouchPad, USB and audio controller. Your laptop is categorized at level 3 service and the repair cost for your motherboard is $149.99 which includes disassembly, repair and reassembly. Currently, we do not foresee any additional charges but we will contact you before we proceed with any necessary repairs if there is any.

This sure beats replacing the motherboard seeing as mine has the FireGL T2 128 ($300.00)

I hope this helps anybody who has this similar problem.

[RealBlackStuff]

You can do better than that, by sending the mobo in to GPU Medics.
For $45.- he can reball your Southbridge, which includes return-shipping.
Make sure to clearly state you want the Southbridge chip done!
You will need a bit of patience with them though...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0577301591

[sktn77a]

Did you send it in to Lenovo for repair? If so, this is a good price as they don't do board level repairs - they replace the motherboard. If it's not Lenovo, then it's a crap shoot. Look at the recent posts regarding GPU medic - they are mixed, at best.