Hard drive problem in T30

[lifrancis]

My son's T30 suddenly developed a problem: when the machine starts, the hard drive light comes on and remains on, but the computer cannot find the hard drive and load windows. When I pulled out the drive and put it in a ultra bay adapter, the computer can work perfectly. So the problem is not the hard drive itself, but something is wrong with the connection.

Can someone suggest what I can do? Putting the hard drive in the adapter this way means the DVD/RW writer cannot be used.

[RealBlackStuff]

This would indicate a malfunctioning IDE-interface. Make sure to insert the HD all the way when you try it again.
You should also try and run the PC-Doctor with the HD in it (download here:)
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... migr-42358

If that fails, you may need a new motherboard.

[lifrancis]

Thanks for the suggestion. I will give it a try during the weekend. While so many have complained about the memory problem of the T30s, this unit has been solid until now. It is such a waste to see something like this ended up in the junk heap at an early age.

[lifrancis]

It looks like the IDE interface on the mother board is dead, for whatever reason. I have decided to keep the T30 as my backup machine, instead of trashing it. It still can function with the ultrabay HD adapter. I can still get CD functions from network connection.

It is a real pity, except for the memory chips, most of the other hardware stop with the T30, and not compatible with the T4X series.

[RealBlackStuff]

Sorry to hear about that.
You could still try and download the manufacturer-specific software to test your HD and/or interface.
Find an overview here:
http://www.techspot.com/vb/topic7602.html

Should you plan to eventually get rid of your T30, try our MarketPlace Forum for good (selling) results.