NTDETECT Failed! IBM Thnkpad With NO windows disc, anyone help?

starscream88 · 08-19-2009, 01:28 PM

I have an IBM thinkpad,
IBM loads that "recovery console" in a partition on the HD so they don't supply windows boot discs,

Is there anyway I can fix the NTDETECT failed error without a boot disc?

If I can't can anyone point me in the right direction of a downloadable boot/fix disc or just how to fix this without wiping the computer,

Thanks!

sabot105mm · 08-19-2009, 01:36 PM

check your hard drive for errors from the command line using the Recovery Console by typing chkdsk /f /r

starscream88 · 08-19-2009, 01:38 PM

Hi sorry I don't have recovery console, Thats a windows thing,

I have the IBM rescue and recovery thing
only option really is delete everything and re-install,

Can you get to the recovery console WITHOUT a windows boot disc?
IBM doesn't supply windows discs :(

**Dunedin** · 08-19-2009, 02:15 PM

Hello starscream88

Try to borrow an XP installation CD from a friend.
Then
Configure your PC to boot from CD if it isn't already set up that way. You may need to enter the BIOS to configure the PC to boot from the CD.
Set the boot order to
floppy (if present)
CD/DVDROM
Hard disk
SAVE and EXIT

Start your PC with the XP Setup CD in the drive. When you see the "Press any key to boot from CD..." prompt, do so and let the CD-based boot process begin.

When the Recovery Console option is offered (Press R to start the Recovery Console), do so. You may be asked which Windows installation to enter, in which case type the number of the Windows installation you wish to work on (usually 1).

When prompted, enter the Administrator's password for that Windows installation. If you did not set a password just press ENTER

At the command prompt, type
copy e:\i386\ntldr c:\
ENTER

Then
copy e:\i386\ntdetect.com c:\

where e is the drive letter for your CD drive.
Remove the CD and type
EXIT

.

starscream88 · 08-19-2009, 05:14 PM

Sadly none of my friends have one,
Weird huh, I don't know anyone with xp,

Is there a download out there? I see it in floppy, but my thinkpad doesn't have a floppy drive,

:( Just want it working again

starscream88 · 08-20-2009, 07:07 AM

Can anyone get me the files I need or a download for the disc?

I wouldn't be asking if IBM gave you a disc with the computers

starscream88 · 08-21-2009, 03:37 PM

wow just my luck

I managed to find a genuine windows XP disc,
I did EXACTLY as Dunedin wrote,
and its telling me setup did not find any hard discs to repair windows on and is quitting

What the ****?

Is this because IBM partitions windows and hides it due to them not supplying windows discs?

so close yet so far, I can't see that this IBM is toast, There has to be a way now I have the disc

anyone!?!??

deleted010511 · 08-21-2009, 04:30 PM

boot the computer and hit the F1 key to enter Setup. In the Bios Setup under Config scroll down to Serial ATA and choose Compatibility Mode. and hit f10 to Save. It will now recognize your HDD.

starscream88 · 08-21-2009, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spike2me

boot the computer and hit the F1 key to enter Setup. In the Bios Setup under Config scroll down to Serial ATA and choose Compatibility Mode. and hit f10 to Save. It will now recognize your HDD.

Thank you!
I'm not at that computer right now but I'll try it when I get home

god I hope that works!

starscream88 · 08-21-2009, 07:01 PM

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOTTTTTTT!!!!!

Thanks guys!!!!!
Problem fixed

Incase this thread ever gets found on the internet or archived for someone with a similar problem,

You NEED that windows CD!
Without it your screwed!

Thanks again everyone who helped :)