Unable to install T41 CDs on new HD

[lleblanc]

My T41 30Gb HD is full. I purchased a 100 Gb HD, but after running my 4 IBM-supplied Recovery CDs, the machine does not boot, all I get is a flashing underscore in the upper left corner. One doubt: these Recovery CDs mention types 1829, 1830, 1831, 1832, 1833, 1836, while mine is a 2373; did IBM send me the wrong CDs. Can I generate these CDs from my current running (30 GB) HD?


Luc Le Blanc

[richk]

I think they sent the wrong CDs. That is the set for R51. If it doesn't start at all after install, though, I think your master boot record is wrong. You might try completely erasing the disk first with some security erase program, but the newer Rescue and Recovery, which works on R51, doesn't work on T41. You cannot make recovery disks from a T41.

[chan_man]

My T41 30Gb HD is full. I purchased a 100 Gb HD, but after running my 4 IBM-supplied Recovery CDs, the machine does not boot, all I get is a flashing underscore in the upper left corner. One doubt: these Recovery CDs mention types 1829, 1830, 1831, 1832, 1833, 1836, while mine is a 2373; did IBM send me the wrong CDs. Can I generate these CDs from my current running (30 GB) HD?


Luc Le Blanc

I think you have the correct recovery disk. The part number that I have for my set is P/N 01R9086 (under the IBM logo). The name is Product Recovery CD for Thinkpad T41, T41P, R50, R50P Type 1829, 1830, 1831, 1832, 1833, 1836.

I have used this set on a number of T41 and T42P machines as well as a R50P with no problems. Some recovery disks do not like to install onto a disk that already has data on them. You would need to delete the partition before starting.

[lleblanc]

[quote="chan_man"]
I think you have the correct recovery disk. The part number that I have for my set is P/N 01R9086 (under the IBM logo). The name is Product Recovery CD for Thinkpad T41, T41P, R50, R50P Type 1829, 1830, 1831, 1832, 1833, 1836.

I have used this set on a number of T41 and T42P machines as well as a R50P with no problems. Some recovery disks do not like to install onto a disk that already has data on them. You would need to delete the partition before starting.[/quote]

The HD WAS empty the first time I used the CDs to install it.

The CDs I have are 24R4564. I called IBM/Lenovo yesterday, but they have lost all warranty transactions records on my T41 (keyboard replacement, motherboard repair and CDs). Quite convenient for them! I just hope my bank doesn't forget me that way. So they offered me to buy 24R7686 CDs, but checking this number, I see they're for a T42. According to the Thinkpad site, I should be getting 39K5996 instead. My OS is in French. So I'll fight with Customer Service to have my earlier CDs (acquired while under warranty) replaced by proper ones.


Luc Le Blanc

[chan_man]

Good luck with your fight with IBM / Lenovo. I have had no problems with them. If you do not like the response that the service person is giving you, just hang up and call again and ask the new person to help.

[jdhurst]

Even though you tried running on a clean disk, a recovery attempt can put data on it.

Turn the machine off
Start it and press F12 to load startup device
Put the first CD in the drive
Select CD to startup
When it gets to the first stable screen, press F3 (or it may be Escape) to exit. Confirm and you should land at a DOS screen
Run FDISK and delete all partitions
Then run FDISK /mbr
Then shutdown and restart (using the instructions above to get the first CD going and then see if this recovery works.

It may well not work based on your description, but it is worth a try.
... JDH