Problems with Factory Recovery

Hi JBR11,

Please share the system model and Operating system installed. 

This issue can be caused by any of the below possibilities: 

1. Not enough hard drive space.
2. Left over programs and bad files.
3. Missing Windows updates or outdated drivers.
4. Corrupt OS.
5. Bad Hardware.

You can run a diagnostics on your computer to check the functionality of system hardware. You can check the link: http://dell.to/OUGnqT for detailed instructions. 

If the diagnostics pass, you can perform a clean boot and check the start up programs and services. For more information on this, you can refer to link: http://bit.ly/Vi0QXe  

If the issue still persists, you may perform a clean installation of  Windows 7 from the Dell OEM version Operating system disc. OEM version of Operating system will not require any product key and is pre-activated by Microsoft for Dell customers. In case you re-install Operating system from a non-Dell OEM CD, you might face issues in activating the Operating system. You can check detailed information on clean installation of WIndows 7 from link: http://dell.to/Qe7jyP 

Before you proceed, I will advise you to take a complete backup of your data (pictures, music, applications, videos, documents) as this step leads to complete data loss. Remove all the external peripherals (like printers, scanners, any USB device except keyboard and mouse) connected to your computer. 

Please share the findings. 

Ok

Ok, my laptop is a Dell Inspiron N4020, with Windows 7 Starter pre-installed, but I use Windows 8 Pro. It has 320GB Hard Drive and I can use about 130GB. The graphics driver doesn't have an update for Windows 8.

I tried the diagnostics, and there is one error:

ERROR CODE 0146

MSG: Error code 2000-0146

MSG: Hard Drive 0 - self test log contains previous error(s)

Hi JBR11,

Error code 0146 indicates the test detected some previous error logs on the hard drive. For more decisive results, I recommend you to run a 'Custom Test' on the laptop's 'Hard Drive'. 'Custom Test' is an advanced diagnostic test and is capable of producing more reliable results. Follow the steps listed below to launch the hard drive custom test:

• Power off the laptop (Ensure that AC Adapter cable is plugged in)
• Power on the laptop and repeatedly tap key
• Select option 'Diagnostics'

Here are some screen shots demonstrating the progress of the PSA+ Diagnostics: 

   
Tap if color bars appear (Refer to the image above)

   
If 2000:0146 error appears, please ignore the message and go ahead with the testing

   
Tap to launch 32 bit Diagnostics (Following screen appears):

   

From the factory the system's 'hard drive' will include a hidden partition with 32 bit Dell Diagnostics. After the completion of basic diagnostic process, you will be asked to continue to this Diagnostics program. If for some reason the hidden partition is not found on the hard drive, you will be presented with the option to insert the Resource DVD. Following screen appears in that case:

   

If required, use the Resource CD and follow the steps given below:

• Insert Recovery CD
• Shut down and restart the desktop
• When Dell logo appears, immediately tap repeatedly

Note: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop; then shut down your computer and try again.

• When the boot device list appears, highlight the option CD/DVD/CD-RW and press
• Boot from CD-ROM from the menu that appears and press
• This message appears ‘Press any key to boot from the CD’
• Promptly hit
• Note: If you wait too long and Dell Diagnostic screen does not appear, then, shut down your computer and repeat all steps.

(Following screen appears): 

• Press  
• When the Dell Diagnostics main menu appears, select the test you want to run
• Select Custom Test (Refer to image below)

• Click <+> sign besides 'Hard Drive' (Refer to image below)
• Highlight 'SATA Disk'
• Place a tick mark in 'Non-Interactive Tests Only'
• Click 'Run Test'

• For any problem encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the problem
• Write down the error code and problem description exactly as it appears 

If you do not have the resource DVD, you can download the 'CW1374A0.exe' and save the Dell diagnostics from link: http://dell.to/WcNYmj . You may install the 'Diagnostics' on an 'External Media' (USB drive). Refer to the following 'image':

Once the 'utility' is installed, you may boot the system with the 'USB flash drive' to initiate 'Diagnostics'. To boot from the 'USB drive', plug the 'media' in a 'USB port' > Power off the system > Power it back on > At Dell splash screen, repeatedly tap 'F12 key' > Boot from 'USB' > Tap 'Enter' 

Please share the findings.