My Notebook Not working?

Question

Okay, I have Dell Inspiron E1505, using Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005, and for about 3 -5 months I have been experiencing some problems. Mainly it's my Itunes that did not work, meaning, I can not open it from the desktop, shortcut, and under Start. However, if I go to My Computer => Drive C: => Program Files => Itunes, I can run it from there, but then it prevents me from upgrading to a newest version of itunes. Anyways that's not the point of my problem.   The problem is, due to the fact that my itunes is not working, I have decided to format my computer. So I put in the OS CD and follow the instruction. However, there was a problem occured during the format. It took me 3 days to get from 0% to 100% and after the formating was finished, I kept on getting an error message for each files. So now my dell notebook is without an OS and it is useless as of now.   I want to know if it's the CD problem or the hard drive problem. I'm not sure which, the CD itself is clean. And I assume it would be the hard drive. But I do not know.

leecheeyau · Answer

Hi Kwopau,

We can run the 32-bitDell Dignostic test under the custom test to run on the HDD. If test pass, we can try to perform low level format:

Use the Dell Driver disc to boot and select DOS mode.

1. Browse the Dell Drivers CD to check the Diagnostic number

DIAGS > INSP32 or LAT32 > A1266 (this is the diagnostic number we want to key in later)

2. Boot from Dell Drivers CD, exit to DOS (usually type Q to exit to DOS)

3. Type CD UPC32, enter

4. Type CD UPTOOLS, enter

5. Type MKUP 1266 (this number is located after had browse on the Option 1), enter

6. System will delete all data on hdd and create new Utility Partition (Dell Diagnostic partition). Follow the steps until finish

7. Booting system with XP cd and Reloas OS as normal

Cheers

Kwopau · Answer

Alright thanks for the responce, I will give that a try and if a problem still occurs, I will come back and repost the problem again.

Kwopau · Answer

I've ran the diagnostic test and it tells me that there is an error:   Error Code 0142.   Msg: Error Code 2000-0142   Msg: Unit 0: Drive Self Test failed. Status byte = 79.   The given error code and message can be used by Dell Technical Support to help diagnose the problem.   Do you want to continue Testing?   Of course I clicked Yes.   And as I'm looking at the the diagnostic test,  the Hard drive has a big X on it while others have a check mark on it.   So I assume its the hard drive problem that gives me a ton of errors when formating my hard drive and when it's trying to install an OS??? Could it be that the Hard drive is dead? I know that it makes a tapping noise when a hard drive dies (yes I had this happen with my old Laptop, and didn't know why it made a tapping noise, and later found out that it was dead)   So if it's the hard drive problem, then I'd have to get a new HDD???

notladstyle · Answer

Your hdd is most definitely dead. Just grab a new drive and you should back on your way.

Kwopau · Answer

aite...thanks. I guess I have to fish out my wallet on a new HDD.

LIttle_piper · Answer

I have been having issues with mine as well.  I am tired of Dell all around.  I have to call in all the time about one thing or another.  I will not be buying a Dell ever again.  You are not the only one with problems.

Kwopau · Answer

So far it's working fine. now if the hard drive fails again, I'm gonna go with Mac.

Locked Topics – Laptops General

My Notebook Not working?

Was this post helpful?