Reformatting HDD on Inspiron 1525

Hello Frog10,

There are few steps I would suggest which might help in fixing this issue.

1. Releasing the flea power.
-- Disconnect all the external peripherals from the computer including the battery and the ac adapter and release the flea power by pressing and holding the power button for 5 to 10 seconds. Turn on the computer and check.

2. Run the Pre-Boot System Assessment (PSA / ePSA) Diagnostics. 
Run the test and check if gives any error code. Note down the error code and update me with the same, would let you know the next course of action. If the test passes on all the hardware components, follow the next step.

3. Check in Safe Mode.
-- Restart the computer.
-- Keep tapping F8 on the Dell Logo Screen.
-- Once the computer enters Advanced Boot Option, select Safe Mode.
-- Press Enter.
-- Check if the computer is booting into safe mode.

Please try the steps and write back with results, would be glad to assist you further.

I tried your suggestions for steps 1 and 2 and got the following error message:

Error Code 0148.

Error Code 2000-0148

Hard/Optical Drive 0 – incorrect status 1A error

Register 0020h

Sense Information (02-0401)

Hello Frog10,

Error Code 2000-0148 is an Optical Drive Self Test Error.  We would have re-seat the Optical Drive.

Before performing the steps, read and follow the safety instructions in Dell Knowledge Base Article: "Precautionary Measures for Personal Safety". Remove any and all power sources including but not limited to: AC Adapter, Battery, or Desktop Power Cord, before you remove or reinstall an item in your computer.
Please see the Service manual for instructions on how to remove and replace the CD/DVD Drive. 

After reinstalling the Optical Drive re-run the Pre-Boot System Assessment (PSA / ePSA) Diagnostics and check the functionality.

Write back to us with results, I’d be glad to assist further.

Ok I reseated the optical drive and the message remains the same.  While I was at it I also re-seated the HDD and it di nto make any diffference either.  Still not rebooting.

Before I start replacing the Optical drive etc., should i not be able to reformat from a USB stick?

I was simply hoping to use this machine as a back-up, so if the optical Drive is nto wrokign, it is not necessarily a big thing.

Hello Frog10,

Before reformatting the hard drive, we need to isolate if it is a hardware or a software issue. In case if it is a hardware issue, reformatting the hard drive would not help us. More over re-installing the Operating System would delete everything from the computer.

However, the next step I would suggest is:  
-- Remove the optical drive and re-run the hardware diagnostics and check if you get any error. 
-- Try connecting a good known optical drive (if available) to the computer and  re-run the hardware diagnostics. 

These steps would prove the functionality of the optical drive. Please write back with results, would be glad to assist you further.

I removed the optical drive and ran the diagnostics and did not get an error.  However, i do not have known good optical drive available to test it with.  (tried the one in my laptop, but it is the wrong connector)

Hello Frog10,

As you said, after removing the optical drive the hardware diagnostics did not produce any error code, it means the optical drive has gone bad and need a replacement.  Does the computer have an active warranty? You can check the warranty status here. In case of expired warranty scenario, we would not be able to extend warranty entitled services. If the warranty on the computer has expired, you may contact our Expired Warranty Services (this is for US based customers).

In case the computer has an active warranty, I would also request you to private message me the system service tag so that I can assist you further with the issue. To private message, click on my user name and click start conversation. 

Please write back, I'd be glad to assist you further.

Thanks for your help, but the warranty on the computer has expired some time ago.

Hello Frog10,

Since the service contract of the computer has expired, you may contact our Expired Warranty Services (this is for US based customers) or you may also contact Dell Spare Parts # 1-800-372-3355 (US Customers only) to the optical drive replaced.