Can't boot T-61 SSD: "No valid OS"

Hi there.

It used to run ok. I haven't used if for 2 or 3 years. SSD is OCZ-Petrol-(S1)

Only drive I can find is "x" with a bunch of directories.

Can't find C:

Tried some repair disks in CD drive. Tells me I need to format drive before using, but it won't format.

Stuck with "Cannot boot from any device" message with a list of "current boot order and device status" message.

No. 1: ATAPI CD0:Model matshitadvd

2. AATA HDD2: device not found

3: ATA HDD0: the SSD "no valid OS"

etc.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Regards, Paul.

I removed the SSD in the Thinkpad and installed in my desktop. I was able to format the SSD, so all is fine with the SSD now.

Can someone please point me to a Tutorial?

While it's still on the desktop, I want to download Windows 7 32bit and install on the SSD, then put the ssd in the Lenovo T-61 Laptop and do whatever is necessary to get Window working. I understand I have 30 days to purchase a Key. Is there such a Tutorial?

Thank you for any help.

Paul.

Hi whs, thank you for the fast response.

The sticker is faded. It could be Vista. I can still read the Product Key.

COA sticker, is it with the product key?

Paul.

The T-61 came out in mid-2007. I bought it used 3 years ago with Win 7 installed on a SSD.

That can't be a Win 7 sticker; must be Vista as it was introduced in early 2007.

Did you get any type of Product Key from the previous owner when you bought the T-61 3 years ago? If not, you may be able to retrieve it with a program such as Belarc.

Not sure why you formatted the SSD if you weren't going to install immediately. Formatting is just a small step during the process of Clean Install Windows 7, not some goal. If you did this then you overwrote the Win7 Product Key and it can't be read now.

If you were sold a PC with Win7 then it should have a COA sticker with Product Key to prove it is Genuine Windows and not some bootleg sold by a thief.

If its too late to audit the key because you formatted (for no reason) the drive, then you can reinstall the licensed Vista version using Vista ISO - Download and Create Installation DVD or USB

or buy a Product Key for Win7, which is available on Tiger Direct for around $89 for Home Premium. Don't buy any key off eBay or Amazon unless its mainline Amazon. Use only a major retailer.

Then in the original hardware Clean Install Windows 7

The reason I formatted the ssd is in the first post of this thread. Didn't get a reply so I was on my own. I plugged the ssd from the T-61 into the desktop to see if I could do anything. The format choice came up so I took it thinking I had no other options. I have used Belarc before but didn't think about using it. I bought the laptop from a person who referbs end of lease stuff. Can't locate him now. He gave me a disc with Window 7 Ultimate on it, but I've misplaced it. I've been looking through boxes for 2 weeks. We move back in November...

That's my plan. Get the thing running, then purchase a key. I read that one can activate 3 times before it tanks.

Well before that happens, I'll know if it will do what I bought it for to run an amateur radio logging program (TR4W) to be used to operate a Kenwood TS480 HX transceiver from the car. It will also key the rig when in CW mode.

So I'm dead in the water as far as getting Windows for free, so I'm going ahead to get this running.

Why is there such a difference in price? I've seen prices varying from $90-ish to over $300! I don't get it. Any differences in these download except price?