T61 will not start because file is missing or corrupt

[bigesse16]

So I was trying to remove a virus on my computer a T61 7661 A13. I was trying to get into Safe Mode and was having trouble finding the option at the Windows Options Menu, as the only options I saw were Microsoft Windows XP Professional and Rescue & Recovery. I pressed F8 repeatedly and still was only brought to those two options when trying to start up the computer. I finally decided to try Rescue & Recovery. I don't remember which option I chose, but I believe it was the first option. However, I interrupted it and ignored the warning that there may be problems when starting up my laptop. So now when I try to start my computer, I received the following message:

"Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\inf\biosinfo.inf
You can attempt to repair this file by starting Windows Setup using the original Setup CD-ROM.
Select 'r' at the first screen to start repair."

When I press 'r' when the computer restarts, nothing happens and the same message appears. Now I when I press F8, I am brought to the Windows Advanced Options Menu. But, all the options are stopped with the same error message when trying to start the computer in any of the modes.

I did a google search from another computer and found that the error occurs many times when trying to make updates and installations for SPs. The solution I've seen it to install the Windows XP CD-ROM, but I do no have a copy of it.

Does anyone have a suggestion?

[cadillacmike68]

Do you have the F11 option? try pressing it at boot up.

Did you buy it new or with a factory preload? If so, did you make the rescue disks? Use them. If you didn't, you may be stuck unless you can get an XP standard install CD. Tuus used to have them, you can check with him.

[bigesse16]

The laptop was used when I purchased it. The F11 option did not work either. But thank you! I'll have to keep trying to find the software.

[Oglon3r]

Your OS appears to be damaged and unless you have a system restore or the original restore CD or perhaps you can download a burn a replacement. You are pretty much stuck with a t60 paper weight.
You may be interested in updating it to windows 7 it runs considerably faster, if not then just reinstall windows xp. Don't forget to backup your files. Try running the HDD externally. Good luck!

[farmall]

A quick way to keep using your T61 is to burn a live Linux CD/DVD or USB key and boot off that. You can also use it to rescue your files.

I ran off a Knoppix CD for a while when waiting for a new hard disk, and you can save downloaded files to any external storage you can connect, or to a drive in the Ultrabay.

T61s are very Linux friendly, so if Winrot and the suffering of using XP (including dedicating resources to AV and malware removal) have become tiresome, try a Linux distro or several. It's well worth your time.

Linux Mint (I loaded 32bit to USB since I'll use it on multiple PCs) CentOS, and Ubuntu variants all work well. Mint would be a bit easier for newbies, and if you download the .iso image with the multimedia codecs you can do most basic tasks off live media without adding packages.

T61 XP restore media are available off torrent sites (if you have a valid COA where you get your media is your business) but I'd never run it as a main OS on a T61. I use ImgBurn to burn .isos when I'm on a Windows XP machine.

http://www.imgburn.com/

http://www.linuxmint.com/download.php

http://www.pendrivelinux.com/

[TuuS]

Do you have a valid COA for windows XP on the laptop with a readable key? if so, you just need an OEM setup disc. If you don't have a coa, or it's not readable, or if you just need the disc, I can probably help, I have the disc and COA (if needed)

You might be able to get the system to boot using the startup repair option on the windows disc, but you'd probably be better doing a fresh install.

Regarding Linux, it's a great operating system, but there is a lot of learning required to use.