Lenovo Ideacentre recovery loop Hell

Did you manage to get this sorted? I have the same machine with the same recovery looping issue and could do with some help!
I have tried many configurations of the BIOS but it will not boot from anything but the HDD, once you remove the hard drive you can bring up the boot options?

I was unable to find a resolution to the mess that was created. I was able to take the drive out and get boot options but once the hard drive was installed again I was brought back to the loop.

You can order recovery discs from Lenovo. I refused to purchase because I had just spent so much money on the computer and I'm not investing anymore because windows decides to make their OS not "technology literate" friendly.

I ended up returning and buying a Mac. Haven't had any issues with it (knock on wood) as of yet.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
Yes, I called Lenovo and there is a choice of buying the recovery disks (although unsure how you would boot them!) or sending it in for a repair which could (would) be chargable.

I did put the hdd in another DELL base unit as a secondry drive and can access all files and I intend to try and alter or delete the boot.ini but will let you know how I get on with that.
For the time being I have just put another hdd in and in the process of installing windows 8.

Lenovo Support Express - Windows 8 - Downgrade Instructions

Lenovo said:
Notes:

» You must have an internal or external DVD drive to use the recovery discs.
» During the recovery process, all data on the hard disk drive will be deleted. Copy any important data or personal files that you want to keep onto removable media or a network drive before you start the recovery process.

To restore your computer to the original factory configuration using the recovery disc set, do the following:
1.Make the CD/DVD drive the first startup device in the startup sequence using the following procedure: » Repeatedly press and release the F1 key when turning on the computer. When you hear multiple beeps or see a logo screen, release the F1 key. The Setup Utility program opens.
» Use the arrow keys to select Startup. Depending on your computer model, select Primary Boot Sequence, Boot, or Startup Sequence.
» Select the CD/DVD drive as the first boot device by following the instructions and the help messages on the screen.

2.Insert the Applications and Drivers Recovery Disc labeled Disc 1 into the DVD drive.
3.Press F10 to save the Setup Utility configuration changes. The computer restarts and the recovery program opens. Follow the instructions on the screen to begin the recovery process.
4.Select your language and click Next.
5.Read the license. If you agree to the terms and conditions, select I agree to these terms and conditions and then click Next. If you do not agree to the terms and conditions, follow the instructions on the screen.
6.Read the messages on the screen and then select GPT partition style or MBR partition style as you desire. Click Next. » Note: GPT partition style is selected by default.

7.If your computer has multiple internal hard disk drives installed, a window is displayed, asking if you would like to format all the internal hard disk drives. Select one of the following as you desire:
» Click Yes if you want to delete all data on the hard disk drives.
» Click No if you want to format the system drive only.

8.Click Yes or Next in the displayed window to continue the recovery process.
9.Insert the Operating System Recovery Disc when prompted and then click Yes or OK to continue the recovery process.
10.If you have a secondary Operating System Recovery Disc, insert it into the DVD drive when prompted and then click Yes or OK to continue the recovery process.
11.Reinsert the Applications and Drivers Recovery Disc labeled Disc 1 when prompted and then click Yes or OK to continue the recovery process.
12.If you have a secondary Applications and Drivers Recovery Disc, insert it into the DVD drive when prompted and then click Yes or OK to continue the recovery process.
13.If you have a Supplemental Recovery Disc, insert it when prompted and click Yes. If you do not have a Supplemental Recovery Disc, click No. » Note: Not all recovery disc sets come with a Supplemental Recovery Disc.

14.When all of the data has been copied from the last disc in the set and processed, you will be prompted to restart the computer. Click Yes to restart the computer. » Note: The rest of the recovery process is fully automated and no action is required by you. The computer will restart into the Microsoft Windows desktop several times and you might experience periods when no activity is apparent on the screen for several minutes at a time. This is normal.

15.When the recovery process is complete, the Set Up Windows screen is displayed. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the Windows setup.
16.After you have completed the Windows setup, you might want to restore the original startup sequence. Start the Setup Utility program and then use the arrow keys to select Startup. Depending on your computer model, select Primary Boot Sequence, Boot, or Startup Sequence. Then restore the original startup sequence.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    ME, XP,Vista,Win7,Win8,Win8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Notebooks x 3

    Desktops x 5

    Towers x 4
That is cheek.

If there is something wrong with it, they shouldn't attempt to charge you - in the UK you are protected by an Act of Parliament - Sale of Goods Act.


Yes, I called Lenovo and there is a choice of buying the recovery disks (although unsure how you would boot them!) or sending it in for a repair which could (would) be chargable.

I did put the hdd in another DELL base unit as a secondry drive and can access all files and I intend to try and alter or delete the boot.ini but will let you know how I get on with that.
For the time being I have just put another hdd in and in the process of installing windows 8.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
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