Hard Disk Drive Problems - IBM ThinkPad i Series 1800 Troubleshooting Manual

Solving computer problems
Problem: Your computer shuts down before the battery status indicator shows
empty, -or- Your computer operates after the battery status indicator shows
empty.
Solution: Discharge and recharge the battery.
Problem: The operating time for a fully charged battery is short.
Solution: Discharge and recharge the battery. If your battery's operating time
is still short, use a new battery.
Problem: The computer does not operate with a fully charged battery.
Solution: The surge protector in the battery might be active. Turn off the
computer for one minute to reset the protector; then turn on the computer
again.
Problem: The battery cannot be charged.
Solution: You cannot charge the battery when it is too hot. If it feels hot,
remove it from the computer and allow it to cool to room temperature. After
it cools, reinstall it and recharge the battery. If it still cannot be charged in 12
hours, have it serviced.

Hard disk drive problems

Problem: The hard disk drive makes a rattling noise intermittently.
Solution: The rattling noise might be heard:
v When the hard disk drive starts accessing the data or when it stops.
v When you carry the hard disk drive.
v When you carry your computer.
This is a normal characteristic of a hard disk drive and is not a defect.
Problem: The hard disk drive does not work.
Solution: In the startup menu in the IBM BIOS Setup Utility, make sure that
there is no exclamation point ! to the left of the words Hard Drive. If there is
such a mark, the hard disk drive is disabled. Clear the mark to enable the
drive.
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Chapter 2. Solving computer problems