Changed BIOS to ATA and was able to download Vista and set it up. When I place the BIOS back to SATA the computer Boot to a blue screen that goes by so fast, cant read then keeps booting back to the choose a operatiing system , the to windows recovery system screen then the windows recovery screen and repeats the same each time.
If you like, you can use your computer on ATA mode. However, if you are trying to use the computer with AHCI enabled, you would need to install the driver for Intel Matrix Storage Manager from the link: http://dell.to/YKXCOU .
If the same issue persists, you would need to re-install the Operating system and same driver during the Operating system re-installation as suggested in the previous post.
You can upgrade the hard drive of your computer to 500 GB and in order to get more information on partitioning a hard drive, you can refer to the link: http://bit.ly/U48q2y
Please reply in case you have any further questions. I'll be happy to help.
Most likely it appears to be an issue with the hard drive of your computer. To isolate the issue, I would suggest you to run an Onboard diagnostics on your computer following the steps below:
Please restart the system.
As soon as you see the blue Dell logo, start tapping the ‘F12’ key which is at the top of the keyboard.
Note: If you wait too long and the Microsoft Windows appears, then continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Now shutdown your computer and try again.
After you tap ‘F12’ key, a new window would appear in front of you. Use the 'Down' arrow key to highlight the option “Diagnostics”
When you get a prompt 'Were color bars displayed?’. Press 'Y' in case the color bars are displayed else press 'N'.
Continue running the test till you get a message: No errors found so far. Would you like to continue the remaining memory steps? It might take more than 30 minutes. Press 'N' and restart the computer.
Make a note of error code if any.
If the tests pass without any error, it is an issue with Operating system and might need re-installation. Operating system re-installation will wipe of all the data from your computer. If possible, I would suggest you to back up all the data that you would need.
When you reach the screen of 'Drive options'. Remove the OS disc, insert the drivers disc. Click on load driver and install the Intel Matrix Storage manager. Then remove the drivers disc and then continue using Operating system re-installation. You can also use a USB key to download, save and extract the same driver. You can download the Intel Matrix Storage Manager from the link: http://dell.to/YKXCOU
Download and save the driver on the USB memory stick. Double click and extract the drivers.
When you get to this screen select Load Driver and select your USB stick.
Ensure that "Hide drivers that are not compatible with hardware on this computer is ticked" (it should be set like this by default). Select all the drivers listed and then click next. It will take you back to this screen.
Then follow the prompts to format and re-install Operating system.
Another way to complete the install without first installing the driver is to change the SATA Operations to ATA. Restart the system. Tap F2 at Dell logo to enter BIOS. Once there you can navigate to 'Onboard Devices' and hit Enter. Then navigate to 'SATA Operation'. Change SATA Operations to ATA. Save the changes and exit. Once the system restarts you should be able to complete the install. After the install and you have loaded the drivers you will need to go back into the bios and change the setting back to AHCI.
Decided to just go with the clean install as suggested, but also thought why not replace and up grade the drive from 160 GB to 500 GB. Had most of my important backup files on disk and following your instructions now have a working Dell with a lot better performance.
Tonym2641
6 Posts
1
December 26th, 2012 06:00
Hi Chinmay S
Changed BIOS to ATA and was able to download Vista and set it up. When I place the BIOS back to SATA the computer Boot to a blue screen that goes by so fast, cant read then keeps booting back to the choose a operatiing system , the to windows recovery system screen then the windows recovery screen and repeats the same each time.
Tonym2641
6 Posts
1
December 29th, 2012 06:00
Hi Chinmay S
Did loose my D drive how do I partition the disk to replace it.
Thanks again
DELL-Chinmay S
4 Operator
•
1.8K Posts
0
December 29th, 2012 06:00
Hi Tonym2641,
If you like, you can use your computer on ATA mode. However, if you are trying to use the computer with AHCI enabled, you would need to install the driver for Intel Matrix Storage Manager from the link: http://dell.to/YKXCOU .
If the same issue persists, you would need to re-install the Operating system and same driver during the Operating system re-installation as suggested in the previous post.
Please reply for further clarifications.
DELL-Chinmay S
4 Operator
•
1.8K Posts
0
January 1st, 2013 05:00
Hi Tonym2641,
You can upgrade the hard drive of your computer to 500 GB and in order to get more information on partitioning a hard drive, you can refer to the link: http://bit.ly/U48q2y
Please reply in case you have any further questions. I'll be happy to help.
DELL-Chinmay S
4 Operator
•
1.8K Posts
0
December 25th, 2012 22:00
Hi Tonym2641,
Most likely it appears to be an issue with the hard drive of your computer. To isolate the issue, I would suggest you to run an Onboard diagnostics on your computer following the steps below:
Note: If you wait too long and the Microsoft Windows appears, then continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Now shutdown your computer and try again.
When you reach the screen of 'Drive options'. Remove the OS disc, insert the drivers disc. Click on load driver and install the Intel Matrix Storage manager. Then remove the drivers disc and then continue using Operating system re-installation. You can also use a USB key to download, save and extract the same driver. You can download the Intel Matrix Storage Manager from the link: http://dell.to/YKXCOU
Download and save the driver on the USB memory stick. Double click and extract the drivers.
When you get to this screen select Load Driver and select your USB stick.
Ensure that "Hide drivers that are not compatible with hardware on this computer is ticked" (it should be set like this by default). Select all the drivers listed and then click next. It will take you back to this screen.
Then follow the prompts to format and re-install Operating system.
Another way to complete the install without first installing the driver is to change the SATA Operations to ATA. Restart the system. Tap F2 at Dell logo to enter BIOS. Once there you can navigate to 'Onboard Devices' and hit Enter. Then navigate to 'SATA Operation'. Change SATA Operations to ATA. Save the changes and exit. Once the system restarts you should be able to complete the install. After the install and you have loaded the drivers you will need to go back into the bios and change the setting back to AHCI.
Tonym2641
6 Posts
0
December 26th, 2012 05:00
Hi Thanks for the fast response. Have already ran the tests and the tests show ALL Pass. Will be trying the BIOS change and will keep you informed.
Tonym2641
6 Posts
1
December 29th, 2012 06:00
Hi Chinmay S
Decided to just go with the clean install as suggested, but also thought why not replace and up grade the drive from 160 GB to 500 GB. Had most of my important backup files on disk and following your instructions now have a working Dell with a lot better performance.
Thank you again for your time and help.
Enjoy the New Year
Tony