DIMENSION 3000 BIOS PROBLEMS

Question

I think I have a virus that is causing problems during boot-up.  I keep getting a error:  'Primary drive 0 not found'.  I followed Dell troubleshooting to reset the Bios (Alt F) and cleared the NVRAM, but it did not help.   Please help.

europa303 · Answer

Have you opened the case and verified that the data and power cables are securely inserted into the hard drive?  Presuming you have properly gone through troubleshooting with Dell and the cables are OK the sad news is that the drive may well have died.  Once you get the error message is that as far as you can go or is there any option to press certain keys to continue?

Majestic · Answer

RogerHolland98, try the procedure I have listed below to clear the NVRAM.   The method you used is missing a few important keystrokes. Reboot system and enter the BIOS Setup by pressing F2.  Turn on Caps Lock, Scroll Lock and  Num Lock. Press ALT + E then ALT + F (should hear beep) then ALT + B If the problem continues after clearing the NVRAM then try doing the quick 90/90 hard drive test by pressing the CTRL + ALT + D keys together when the Dell logo appears at boot up.  Click here for more information on performing that test.   If the 90/90 test and the diagnostic lights do not give a clear indication of the problem then considering running the Dell Diagnostics on the entire system.  It's possible there is another piece of hardware failing that is causing the problem.  Be sure to check your other drives to see how they are performing.  Click here for more information on running the Dell Diagnostic program. Message Edited by Majestic on 12-27-2005 07:05 AM

RogerHolland98 · Answer

When I performed the keystrokes that you recommended, it performs an "automatic IDE configuration" and comes up with an error message: strike F1 to reboot or F2 to enter setup. When I enter Setup, the Primary Master Drive, Drive Type is "Off". I set it to "Auto", and then the Primary Master Drive is shown as "Unknown". I save changes and exit, and it still comes up with "Primary drive 0 not found".

I will try the 90/90 test.

Thanks, Roger

RogerHolland98 · Answer

I replaced the data cable to my harddrives, and it fixed the problem.   Thanks for your help.   Roger Holland Plano, TX

RogerHolland98 · Answer

You are not going to believe this. After spending two days trying to fix the Bios and operating system, I replaced the data cable going to the harddrives. Problem fixed.

Thanks for your help.

Roger Holland
Plano, TX

Majestic · Answer

Glad to have been of assistance and thanks for posting back with an update.   When it comes to computers I would believe anything.

RogerHolland98 · Answer

I knew it was too good to be true. After booting up in Windows XP, I ran Norton antivirus. During the scan, it crashed and resumed the same problem status. Very iritating.

I formated another 80Gb drive that I had and installed it in the computer. I then used the disks that came with the computer to reload Windows XP. Same problem.

Any suggestions?

RogerHolland98 · Answer

I knew it was too good to be true. After booting up in Windows XP, I ran Norton antivirus. During the scan, it crashed and resumed the same problem status. Very iritating.

I formated another 80Gb drive that I had and installed it in the computer. I then used the disks that came with the computer to reload Windows XP. Same problem.

Any suggestions?

Majestic · Answer

Have you tried clearing the NVRAM after the hard drive swap?  It's not uncommon for the NVRAM to be corrupted or not updated properly after a hardware change.

RogerHolland98 · Answer

Sorry for the slow response. I was in the process of purchasing a car, and it took two days.

I reformatted a used harddrive and installed it in my computer. Then I went into the setup menu, turned on Caps Lock, Scroll Lock and Num Lock, then pressed ALT + E then ALT + F.

Still no luck. When I boot up, I receive an error message that says "Primary drive 0 not found."

Majestic · Answer

I would suggest is try doing a 'hard' reset of the NVRAM.  There are times when clearing the NVRAM via the keystroke method doesn't quite do the job it is suppose to.  To do a 'hard' reset just do this.....   With the machine unplugged from the wall remove the battery from the motherboard.  Then with the machine still unplugged press the On button for several seconds to dissipate any remaining electrical charge on the motherboard.  Then re-install the battery, plug the machine back into the wall and see if it will boot normally.  When re-inserting the battery make sure the socket is free of dust and dirt that could prevent the battery from making good contact.  You could also try a new battery just to rule out the possibility that your existing battery isn't failing.  A failing battery can cause hardware detection problems at bootup.  A new battery will cost around $3 and is a cheap item to replace.  A new 3-Volt, CR2032, coin cell battery can be purchased at any Radio Shack, computer store and most discount stores.   If that doesn't do the trick then would try disconnecting all the other drives except for the hard drive which should be jumpered for Cable Select and do the keystroke method of clearing the NVRAM again.  Possibly one of the other drives is failing and that is causing the drive detection problem you are experiencing.   If that doesn't resolve the problem, with all that you have done, you maybe looking at a situation where the motherboard IDE controller has failed.  I assume that your warranty has expired otherwise I would say you should call Dell Tech Support for repairs. Message Edited by Majestic on 12-31-2005 09:18 AM

RogerHolland98 · Answer

I bought a new battery and installed it, tryed to reboot -- no luck.  I also went into setup and reset the NVRAM and BIOS -- still no luck.   Unless you have another suggestion, I think that it is time to take it into a computer shop and get them to diagnose it.

Majestic · Answer

Sorry,  no other suggestions here..... be best to take it in then.   I'd be curious to see what the shop finds is wrong if you don't mind posting back with an update.

Locked Topics – Desktops General

DIMENSION 3000 BIOS PROBLEMS

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