Won't boot - file\boot\BCD error status 0xc000000f

Thank you for that information. I have Dell on the phone as I type. At first it was not showing the HD as recognized, but with another utility he could see that is was. He's sending me original disks, and another HD with Vista on it so hoping that one will get the system up and I can move any data from the one that won't boot windows so I can save it, or keep them both as use the new one as primary.

I would like to take the system back to all defaults because someone had the machine for two months before I bought it and especially because it was a display model.

Thanks much for you reply, it explains more thoroughly what I have to do.

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@OWhatAThrill wrote:

I would like to take the system back to all defaults because someone had the machine for two months before I bought it and especially because it was a display model.

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That sound great. I too, would want to take it back to the point it was assembled by Dell, especially considering the above. It's good Dell is sending you the disk and another hard drive. There was a problem with the Samsung hard drives that was corrected with a firmware update. The new hard drive may not have the applications as it came originally. Dell could verify what came on your system and install the image of all the software on the hard drive they send to you. I am not sure about that. Did Dell mention anything about returning the old hard drive? Sometimes that don't want it back. Just have to see what happens with the new hard drive. Glad your getting results from Dell, which is not always easy to do.

No, didn't mention me having to return it, and are sending me a remote for my tv tuner because I didn't get one of those either.

Not to worried about any programs that i can think of. The Adobe, Macromedia and Office Suites are mine, didn't come installed so hopefully won't be a problem on that issue.

Fortunately there are three other computers in the house, altho the best one is sick too, with a virus. My son has been using iMacro browser (Yikes) just to browse. he left today to meet his wife who just arrived back from her second Iraq tour so I told him hopefully I'll have his cleaned up before he gets back. Have that posted on the HJT board because my daughter has the small 17 inch flat screen and my son and I are used to larger. It's hard to go back. :-( But at least I'm not offline! Thanks again, very much for your help! 

Hi Boyd B.  I am getting the same 0xc000000f message.  I am not able to boot up in Safe mode and I am not able to move past the 0xc000000 screen and start my PC.  I have the original recovery disk for Vista 64-bit that came with the computer - Inspiron 530.  Thanks for any suggestions.

Hi Carol,

That error can be caused by a hard drive problem. Please click the link below for instructions on running the Dell diagnostics. You need to use the option to boot to your drivers and utilities disc and run the diagnostics from there.

If your hard drive is good, then we can try the next step to fix your operating system.

Hi Osprey,

I really appreciate your kind help. My computer is still working on the diagnostic test - your directions were wonderful. As the test is taking such a long time, I did not want to wait any longer to thank you for your post.  Carol

Hi Osprey,

The diagnostic showed error code 0F00:0248  (drive did not complete command, update firmware).  [Other error codes 1100:012A, 1100:022A, 1100:032A, and 1100:042A  (the drive did not respond in a fixed time to an access attempt) ].  Do you think it is fixable?  Thanks for your help finding these problems.  Carol

I think that confirms that your hard drive needs to be replaced. You need a desktop SATA hard drive of 2TB or less. Here is the replacement procedure <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

Once you've replaced the drive, you can follow this procedure to manually reinstall the operating system and your applications.

Thanks so much Osprey.  Not sure what I will do.  I had wanted to change to windows 7 anyway, so I am thinking it might be a good idea to go with a new Dell desktop if my current monitor and keyboard are compatible - and have a warranty.  I see the Inspiron 620 is $299 plus the cost for Windows 7.  Or should I take the plunge and go with an iMac?  I was so disappointed in Vista.  Please let me know if you have a suggestion.

Your system is not that old, but I understand your feelings about Vista. Those times when I've needed to offer help to friends with Vista, I find it to be a real pain.

The Windows 7 upgrade disc will cost about $50-60. If you wanted to go with a new desktop, I would not recommend the $300 model. An Inspiron 620 with an i5 processor and 4GB of RAM will run $500.

An iMac is a beautiful machine. The entry level model I think is an i5 processor, but the price is more than double a comparable Dell.

Osprey, oh, I love your analysis!  I see the 299$ Dell does not have as good specs as my old Dell, so my revised plan is to replace the hard drive (your original suggestion) and install windows 7.  If all goes well, maybe my Canon printers which did not play well with vista will work with the windows 7 professional feature that lets you use XP compatible printers!  Thank you so much for explaining exactly what to do.

Carol

You're welcome and good luck! Of course, we're happy to help further if needed.