Windows Error Recovery loop

Hi Liz,

You have mentioned that the system keeps shutting off. Please check in BIOS if it shuts down.

• Power off the computer.
• Restart the computer, tap ‘F2’ key on the Dell logo.
• This will take you to the BIOS screen.
• Wait for about 30-45 mins and check.

If the system does not shut down in BIOS. the issue could be with  the operating system and you may have to re-install it. You may try the following steps.

Note: This step leads to complete data loss including pictures, music files, videos, documents and applications. Please disconnect any external peripherals as well.

To perform PC restore:

• Restart PC, press 3-4 times when the Dell logo appears.
• Advanced Boot Options menu appears, ‘Repair your Computer' is highlighted, press Enter. (Use the arrow keys to highlight your choice)
• Windows is loading files screen appears. Wait for it to load.
• System Recovery Options prompt appears. Specify the language and keyboard input that you want, and then click ‘Next’.
• Log in as a user who has administrative credentials; select the username from the drop-down list, type the password and click OK.
• Choose a Recovery Tool Window appears, select Dell Data Safe Restore and Emergency Backup.
• The Welcome screen will show 2 options; Restore computer and preserve my new or changed files and Select other System Backup and more options. Select the second option (Select other System Backup and more options) and click Next.
• The next window shows these options; Backup Files and folders and Restore my computer. Select ‘Restore my computer’.
• Select the Factory Image and click ‘Next’.
• The next window shows 2 options; 'Preserve new or changed files before restoring to selected System Backup' and 'Restore without preserving new or changed files'. Select the second option (Restore without preserving new or changed files) and click Next.
• A prompt appears stating that your computer is about to be restored all data currently on your computer will be deleted and replaced with your selected Full System Backup. If an Emergency File & Folder Backup was created, it will still be saved at the location you selected. Click 'Yes, continue' and click Next.
• PC restore will initiate. Once done, click Restart.
• Follow the onscreen instructions to create a user account

Please reply if you have any questions.

I did yesterday, and it just kept turning off. Would I need to do it again and see how it works?

First thing to do is run an extended hard drive diagnostic.  F12 at powerup.

Is the system running abnormally hot?  If so, that can easily damage the drive and be responsible for the system shutting down.

What model system do you have?

How old is the system?

Have you checked for dust on the heatsink and cleaned the system if there is any?

No its clean, and its not hot at all. The laptop is about 3 years old, the model number is PP41L ( not sure what model actually is, sorry )

Im not sure whats wrong with it, it just started doing this. Also, would I need to do another one of those tests you were talking about? I did one yesterday but it just kept shutting off.

Hi liz,

As ejn32 correctly mentioned, please run the diagnostics to check the hardware functionality and share the findings. Also, would like to know the issue you are facing with your computer for which you would like to perform factory restore. Please elaborate.

I have had the computer on for a while and it has not turned off. You said choose 'Repair your Computer' , I clicked enter and it just took me back to the Windows Error Recovery screen..?

My computer came with no disk like you mentioned. 

I do have a Norton 360 disk though, will this work?

Hi liz692,

Error code 2000: 0146 may imply a possible 'hard drive' failure. For more decisive results, I recommend you to run a 'Custom Test' on the 'Hard Drive'. 'Custom Test' is an advanced diagnostic test and is capable of producing more reliable results. Please follow the steps listed below to launch the hard drive custom test:

• Run the diagnostics using the 'F12' key
• Ignore the error code 2000-0146 and go ahead with the test
• 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

Do reply with the findings.

It has not shut down since yesterday, I let it rest from 1:30 yesterday to a couple hours ago, and it stopped that problem, but have you found anything on the loop? I have looked everywhere and everyone says do a reset, like you said, but when i click enter it does not go to a language page, it goes back to the error recovery screen.

It said error code 0416 , then it continues testing,?

You most likely have a bad hard drive.  Whether that's causing the shutdowns is open to question - it could also be a bad mainboard, if the system is not overheating.

You'll need a new, 2.5" 9.5 mm or slimmer SATA notebook drive.  You'll also need a Windows disc, which you can order online (see below) if you're in the US.  Outside the US, you'll need to call Dell for the disc.

support.dell.com/.../backupcd_form

If it hasn't shut down since yesterday, retry the diagnostics.  If the diagnostics cause the system to shut down, that pretty definitively identifies a bad hard drive.

And yes, a bad drive can easily cause a bootup loop/cycling as you are seeing.  That, coupled with the age of the system, points the finger squarely at the drive.  The normal lifespan of a laptop drive is just about three years.

No.  There's no point testing further - you need a new hard drive.