Cannot start computer

Hi Penna Mtn,

I assume you've tried safe mode, last known good configuration, etc. Sounds like you have a serious issue with your hard drive or operating system. My first suggestion would be to test the hard drive to see if that's the problem. To test your hard drive using your Dell Drivers and Utilities disc:
1. Reboot your system. When you see the Dell logo, hit F12 to enter the boot menu.
2. Insert the Dell Drivers and Utilities disc in your CD/DVD drive.
3. Pick the option to boot from the CD/DVD drive.
4. You will be prompted to hit any key to continue booting from the CD/DVD drive.
5. You will be prompted to hit 1 to run the Dell diagnostics. You may see two such menus.
6. Select Test System.
7. Select Custom Test.
7. Use the arrow keys or mouse to select your hard drive.
9. Click Run Tests.
10. Write down any error messages.

If you see no errors, then we can proceed with repairing the OS.

So far test still running. 1 error code 0F00-075D.

 penna mtn

 The SATA hard drive has failed and you need to replace it, followed by reinstalling windows, drivers and applications.

Error codes 0f00:0244 and 0f00:1A44, indicate's an "uncorrectable data error".

You need to buy an internal, 3.5", 7200rpm SATA hard drive.

Bev.

Found these 3 errors. 0F00-0244 0F00-0750 0F00-1A44.  I would assume it is the hard drive then. I do not understand why hard drives fail. We also have a Dell Laptop that had a failed hard drive after 1 year and now has a memory failure. We play no video games and use mostly for internet. Thank you for your answer and will look forward to your reply about the errors. It is greatly appreciated.

The hard drve makes a noise it did not use to. The tests said all passed. The only way to shut it down is with the shut down button. No matter what I do keep getting the same screen.

I ordered the new hard drive from Dell. I installed it and the screen says No boot device available. Try F1 or F2. F2 shows sata hard drive but says no ide drive. I installed it exactly like the old one. Any suggestions?

I did as you said. Got error messages. Another person responded. Said I need hard drive. Ordered from Dell. Installed and it would not work. Talked to Dell support. He advised how to reinstall OS. Got to that part and it would go no further. He decided that that Dell salesman had ordered me to large a hard drive for the system and he would reorder me a smaller one. Have you heard of this? I have replaced hard drive in a Dell laptop and there was no problem with that.

Yes, it is possible to get an SATA hard drive that's too large.

Thank you. Dell technician was very helpful. He arranged the return of the hard drive and ordered a smaller one. It will be a week or so to get here. I will try it and then will post with the results.

Received new hard drive. Installed reloaded OS XP. Computer boots up but I get a screen that says drive 1 not found. Drive 3 not found. Strike F1 to continue or F2 to run setup. I press F2 and do not understand it. I press F1 and computer starts, runs good. But this happens every time I restart whether shut down or just started from screen saver. Thank you.

Hello penna mtn

When you bootup press F2 and look for drives and turn off drive 1 and drive 3

that should fix that problem.

Hope this helps.

Tom

Thank everyone who answered me. All your answers helped. I did as Tom suggested and it works fine. Cant thank you all enough. I am a novice at this and am learning as I go.

penna mtn

:emotion-21:

Bev.

Another problem. Computer working fine. I plugged in internet through a hub. I have a wireless laptop and a wired desktop shared on same internet. When I took the plug end from the wired desktop and put it into this one it will not go on internet. It tries to set up and says something is missing. Is there another cd or something I should have put in? I installed works, word and office with no problem. Thank you again.

I'm thinking you did not install all of your device drivers. Here are the instructions: Install Dell drivers and utilities

The specific device needed for internet access is the network adapter.