Can't get 100GB hard drove recognized on T41p

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frank morassutti · #1 Post by **frank morassutti** » Sat Jul 14, 2007 4:04 pm

IBM has a 100GB hard drive option for the T41p but I can't get the laptop to recognize it in the HDD bay. It works fine in the Ultrabay, or in my external USB case. I had the same issue with a 160GB drive - works in the Ultrabay and external USB but not in the HDD bay. I've updated to latest BIOS and tried all the tricks I know but nothing. The F1 setup option shows there is no drive in the bay.

#2 Post by **carbon_unit** » Sat Jul 14, 2007 4:21 pm

When you have the hard drive out look at the bottom of the T41P. You will see two silver tabs on either side of the hard drive cover retaining screw. Take a small screwdriver or something and pry them up a little so they make good contact with the hard drive cover. That seems to help sometimes, it shouldn't but it does.

#3 Post by **richk** » Sat Jul 14, 2007 7:49 pm

Make sure the drive is seated correctly. The drive goes in with the electronics closest to the touchpad. The easiest way to slise it in so it seats correctly is to open the lid and hold the machine by the touchpad with the open LCD pointing down.

agarza · #4 Post by **agarza** » Sat Jul 14, 2007 10:46 pm

You should check the HDD is properly mounted on the caddy and install it with your laptop upside down. I'm sure you would get it done.

Brad · #5 Post by **Brad** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 2:04 am

Like most replies I agree. If the drive works everywhere but in the proper ThinkPad slot the drive is not properly connected. Double check everything and try again.

Maybe only one set of pins are being used.

Brad

#6 Post by **GomJabbar** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 7:32 am

I agree with the others. It happened to me on my T42. If you use the metal caddy or cage, this is not very likely to happen. But if you do not use the metal caddy it is quite likely to happen if you insert the drive with the ThinkPad resting normally on the desktop. Turn the ThinkPad bottom side up with the display open. Now insert the drive into the slot.

frank morassutti · #7 Post by **frank morassutti** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 7:32 am

OK, I've tried everything I know to get this 100GB drive working on my T41p. It works in the Ultrabay and external USB, but not in the HDD slot. (not recognized) It works no problem on a T42 and T43. Previous forum responses have pointed me to a 'pin connection' problem but I have ripped apart the laptop and had the HDD bay connectors properly attached so I know my pin connections are good. I am leaning towards a BIOS issue but why only with the HDD bay ?

#8 Post by **Johan** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 8:43 am

... it would be slightly useful to know:

a) what model 100 GB harddisk you are talking about (Hitachi? Seagate? other?), and
b) what operating system you are using? Windows XP Professional?

I suggest you check these threads - many people have already been struggling with issue, and have reported "how-to" solutions:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=26718
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=43187
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=13814
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=44123
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=24442
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=21487

You might also want to search this forum for "T41 [and] 100 GB" and/or "T41 [and] HPA".

Good luck!

Best regards,

Johan

Can't get 100GB hard drove recognized on T41p

Can't get 100GB hard drove recognized on T41p

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