No bootable device

[fabiuz93]

Hi everybody,

This morning I turned on my laptop, a Z500 (no touch) and got this issue: black screen, no bootable device. No way to proceed. I entered the Bios and disabled the secure boot; when I rebooted it I was able to access the OS and to use my Laptop, even if everything is running unusually slow... I can't understand what the problem is. What should I do? What does the fact that I disabled the secure boot imply?

OS: Windows 8.1. Laptop purchased september 2013 (no warranty anymore...).

EDIT my laptop rebooted two times. Blue screen, "Kernel Data inpage error"

Thank you all in advance, you're my hope!

Fabio

[rockykoston]

Your HDD is probably failing (most likely reason) or it could be a corrupted windows.

Secure Boot is only for checking that the laptop boots with OEM software and that does not allow other OS to boot, so I dont think that is your problem.

First, run this test -

sfc/ scannow command in command prompt

This will tell you if windows is corrupted.

Then, run the HDD and memory test from here -

http://support.lenovo.com/us/en/lenovodiagnosticsolutions/tools

Let me know what are the results.

[fabiuz93]

Hi rockykoston, thank you so much for your answer!

I did what you said:

-sfc/scannow tells me there are are some corrupted files; he was unable to fix them.

-the HDD test: problem with the targeted lecture test, the short SMART autotest and the SMART unit test (error 9067464)

-Memory test: no problem.

What does the doctor say?

Thank you for your help

Fabio

[rockykoston]

doctor

Well, I expected errors in Windows files however, since your HDD is also showing errors it means that there are certainly some bad elements(sectors) there (I am not that technical about these lenovo tests).

In short, your HDD is failing thats why you got the No Boot device error.

Only solution is to buy and install a new HDD.

1) You will need a copy of windows to install on the new HDD as well. You can download the exact same copy of windows as currently installed on your system and create a bootable USB/DVD.

I do not have much idea about it and several users have given different opinions on that (where to download the Windows copy)

However, once you have found and downloaded, you can use Windows bootable USB/DVD tool to create the disc.

This disc will help you setup the Windows on a new HDD.

OR

2) You can buy a windows license and install the new windows from microsoft.

[fabiuz93]

Ok, thank you very much, you were definitely very helpful. Can I download the windows copy from the Lenovo website? Otherwise I have no idea where to download it from... or should I make a copy with the Lenovo Recovery Media?

How to know if a HDD is compatible with my laptop? Which HDD would you suggest? Is it easy to install it by myself (never done that before)?

EDIT: here's my current HDD: 931GB Seagate ST1000LM024 HN-M101MBB (SATA)

Is that a good choice? http://www.wdc.com/global/products/specs/?driveID=1299&language=1

Thank you in advance and sorry for all these questions!

Fabio

[rockykoston · Accepted solution]

1) Lenovo does not provide a windows copy.

2) You can try downloading from microsoft website, if that works.

or download from other website, but make sure it is the same version as installed on your system.

example- Win 8.1 64 bit Home

3) Here is the manual for your laptop -

http://download.lenovo.com/consumer/mobiles_pub/lenovo_z_p_series_hmm_v1.0.pdf

You can see a list of HDD compatible for your laptop and also how to replace it.

The list contains this HDD "HDD, 750G 5400rpm, WD(ML375M), WD7500BPVT-
24HXZ 5400RPM 750G HDD" compatible with your laptop, however, the HDD which you gave in the link has the same dimensions (9.5mm, 2.5") and looks like should fit in your laptop.

4) Installing a HDD is a relatively easy task, depends upon your comfort factor with opening a laptop. Its not the easiest but not difficult, you just need to handle things carefully (like not dropping something on an open laptop)

Follow the precautions mentioned in your Manual, if you decide to do this yourself.

Good luck

[fabiuz93]

Thank you so much for all your help!