Inspiron 546 - Hard Drive Parameter Has Exceeded Operating Range

Hi Ather,

This can be a hard drive failure. To isolate the issue, I recommend running PC check on the hard drive to check if its hardware/software issue.

Click on the following link to run PC check on Hard drive:

http://dell.to/11oePQ8

Select Custom scan and then click on “Hard drive”.

Also, I would recommend you to run diagnostics below diagnostics on the computer.

Restart the computer and press F12 to enter the Boot Menu.

• When the boot device list appears, highlight Diagnostics and press Enter
• The computer begins to run the Pre-boot System Assessment, a series of embedded diagnostics that perform initial testing on your system board, keyboard, hard drive, and display
• If the Pre-boot System Assessment completes successfully, you receive the message Booting Dell Diagnostic Utility Partition
• Press any key to continue
• Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the Diagnostics utility partition on your hard drive
• After the Dell Diagnostics loads and the Main Menu screen appears, click the button for the option you want to run -
  • Express Test: Performs a quick test of devices. The test typically takes 10 to 20 minutes and requires no interaction on your part
  • Extended Test: Performs a thorough check of devices. The test typically takes 1 hour or more and requires you to answer questions periodically
  • Custom Test: Tests a specific device. You can customize the tests to be run.
  • Symptom Tree: Allows you to select tests based on a symptom of the problem you are experiencing
• When you have finished running a test, close the screen to return to the Main Menu screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and reboot the computer, close the Main Menu screen

Please make a note of the error message.

Awaiting your response!

OK, the PC check on Hard drive test Failed the Smart Status Test. The diagnosis first gave me bells sounding with Error Code 8146.

MSG: Error Code 2000-81426.

MSG: Hard Drive self test logs contains previous errors.

The next diagnosis test gave me Error Code 0F00:133E MSG: DISK - HDD error.

Since then, my explorer.exe freezes up upon booting up (can't access any programs. Taskbar or through WinKey).  Tried it twice, same problem. I am now in Safe Mode With Network Access.

Hi Ather,

This error indicates hard drive failure on the computer. We need to replace the hard drive.

I would be glad to arrange for a service on the computer if the computer is under warranty.

I am sending you a private message as well. Click on “Inbox” to respond to the message and provide system’s Service Tag and contact details so I may access your system records and check for further course of action. You could also click on Start Conversation to send a private message.

Check warranty status: http://dell.to/zEE2Cm

In case of expired warranty scenario, we would not be able to extend warranty entitled services.

If the warranty on the computer has expired, below link would help you in contacting expired warranty services (this is for US based customers):

http://dell.to/4LOBWi

I have provided a link below for drive savers data backup:

http://bit.ly/o0hMA

Click on the above link and select the options accordingly. They would help you in backing up data.

You can also contact any local technician to back up data.

Awaiting your response!

No DM in inbox.  Warranty's expired anyway.  I'm just going to buy a whole new system.  If the hard drive failed after 3 years, who knows how long the other components will last?  Just won't update the drivers and stuff this time when things are woring fine.