A31 XP Wont Start

[jrv331]

I have a A31 that came with everything except HD,HD caddy and battery. I have a fully functional T20 with XP on it so I swapped the drive to the 31. It booted fine and I was able to get to the bios with no problems, however XP wont start. I get a blue screen saying windows cant start....then that takes me to the standard screen saying windows didnt start normally and makes me pick from the options. I tried normally, safe mode and last known good config and each time it takes be back to the same screen.

Im wondering if its because everything from the 20 is loaded on the drive? Do I need to reinstall windows or is this a problem with the 31?I hate to format and lose all my apps if its a problem with the 31.
I really need some advice here
Thanks
John

[jdhurst]

I suspect the drivers are different. I would not consider trying what you did. So unless someone else can shed some light that I cannot, I think you may have to reimage and start again. If that is the case, consider a Knoppix boot cd or a Barts PE boot cd, starting the machine from the CD drive, and then saving the data from the T20 drive you wish to save. ... JDH

[RWDPLZ]

All the device drivers on the hard drive are for a completely different computer. You'll have to format it and reinstall Windows, or get another hard drive.

The only way swapping the drive MIGHT work is if it's swapped between two identical models, like a 2652-P4U to another 2652-P4U, since they'd have identical hardware.

[jdhurst]

<snip>
The only way swapping the drive MIGHT work is if it's swapped between two identical models, like a 2652-P4U to another 2652-P4U, since they'd have identical hardware.

You certainly can do that (I swap hard drives all the time). And there is some latitude between some models where you can do it and then install new drivers. But I suspect an A31 and T20 are too far apart. ... JDH

[jrv331]

Since i have to reload XP would i just use drivers it installs, or when its all done should i go to the IBM site and download all the drivers from there and install those? Will the IBM drivers be newer/better?

Thank You
John

[RWDPLZ]

Drivers are usually dated or have version numbers. If you try updating the drivers, compare the dates or version numbers. Usually when XP installs it uses generic drivers, or the most current ones depending upon the hardware. As I recall with A31's, I had to get almost everything from IBM/Lenovo.

First thing I would do is upgrade the BIOS and embedded controller. MAKE SURE YOU GET THE RIGHT ONE. A31's have 1GET... or 1NET... depedning on the model. Go to the BIOS setup, and write down which one it has.

[spuddog]

Here is an article you may find useful. http://www.informationweek.com/windows/ ... &queryText

You are supposed to be able to use this method and not lose all of youf settings and information.

Scott

[jrv331]

Actually thats what I did, it reloaded windows and kept all my programs intact. Still trying to work out a few snags but so far so good. Heres my main concern, I updated most of the IBM drivers except for the latest bios/embeded controller as I dont have a battery yet. I have a 1.6ghz processor and it shows that in the bios but Windows sees its as a 1.2 as does Speedswitch. I have speedswitch set to max performance and bios is set at fixed max.
Any clues
Thanks
John

[ryengineer]

Info in the BIOS should be correct since AFAIK A31/p never came with 1.2 Ghz processor.

[jrv331]

Just wanted to thank all who responded. The laptop is up and running fine thanks to all your help.
Thanks for all the support
John