Port 0 is the one for the bootable hard drive when you are not running RAID. Some Dells are shipped with the controller configured to RAID even with a single drive. If the controller has been set to RAID you are also using the Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI).
From your description the drive is failing or has failed. The only way to recover if you don't have the back-up set is to obtain the installation DVD for your operating system. It is still possible to get this from Dell but you must sometimes be a bit persistent. You may also have to pay a fee for Dell to send you the disk.
If you live in the U.S. you can try this form: Dell Replacement Disk. If you live outside the U.S. you will need to contact Dell Tech Support and request the disk. Use the U.S. form as a guide to the information you will need to provide to the Dell representative.
jackshack
6.4K Posts
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August 31st, 2011 15:00
Port 0 is the one for the bootable hard drive when you are not running RAID. Some Dells are shipped with the controller configured to RAID even with a single drive. If the controller has been set to RAID you are also using the Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI).
From your description the drive is failing or has failed. The only way to recover if you don't have the back-up set is to obtain the installation DVD for your operating system. It is still possible to get this from Dell but you must sometimes be a bit persistent. You may also have to pay a fee for Dell to send you the disk.
If you live in the U.S. you can try this form: Dell Replacement Disk. If you live outside the U.S. you will need to contact Dell Tech Support and request the disk. Use the U.S. form as a guide to the information you will need to provide to the Dell representative.
Dell guidance for restoring your computer can be found here: Restoring or Reinstalling Windows on a Dell.