Computer wont boot

Question

I have this dell 'Dimension L Series 500c' and it wont start up. When I turn it on it goes to the dell splash screen, and freezes for a little bit, then gives me an error saying windows did not load, and wants me to choose like safe mode, or last known good configuration, etc. But when I choose one of those, doesnt mater which one, it goes to the windoes splash screen where its loading, loads for like 5 seconds, and then restarts the computer. What could be causing this?

Zidion · Answer

so there is no way to get into windows? I HAVE to back up some very very important files on there.

DELL-Jesse L · Answer

Zidion, Thank you for using the Dell Community Forum. You may need to format and reinstall Windows if you cannot get into it normally or in the last known configuration.

Zidion · Answer

@shesagordie wrote:

Zidion.

Which version of windows is installed?
What is the reading of the power button LED, green, blinking green, solid amber, blinking amber?
What is the sequence of the diagnostic LEDs at the back of the case?

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dmum/codemess.htm#diagnostic_codes

Bev.

Its windows XP pro

the power led is solid green

on the back of the case, the diagnostic thing read: all green except D with his yellow

shesagordie · Answer

Zidion.

Which version of windows is installed?
What is the reading of the power button LED, green, blinking green, solid amber, blinking amber?
What is the sequence of the diagnostic LEDs at the back of the case?

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dmum/codemess.htm#diagnostic_codes

Bev.

Zidion · Answer

@shesagordie wrote:

Zidion.

Try running diagnostics, instructions for using them should be in your owner's manual.

GGGY refers you to chapter 7 of the manual.

Bev.

I would be it says I need the resourceCD. I dont have that

Zidion · Answer

ok i got the diagnostic test off the dell website. Its the one that you can either put onto 5 floppeis, or just burn to a disc (4.5mb). Running now

shesagordie · Answer

Zidion.   Try running diagnostics, instructions for using them should be in your owner's manual.   GGGY refers you to chapter 7 of the manual.   Bev.

shesagordie · Answer

Zidion.   The primary hard drive has failed and should be replaced.   Bev.

Zidion · Answer

ok this is the error I got: IDE 0 Disc Confidence Test-Failed does that mean my HD is messed up?

Zidion · Answer

@shesagordie wrote:

Zidion.

The primary hard drive has failed and should be replaced.

Bev.

really? does that what it means?

I plugged it into my other pc and copied all the stuff over so I wouldnt loose it (all of it was still there).

any chance that it just might be windows that is messed up?

ejn63 · Answer

No, the drive is failing. You should disconnect the drive, replace it, reload Windows and then try to copy what you can salvage by mounting the failing drive as a secondary in the system.

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Computer wont boot

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