Hard drives not recognized

What other text appears on the screen, other than the message "Strike F2 for Setup or F1 to Continue?"

Hello,            I just received a Dell Dimension 4550 computer and it had a problem. During start up it cannot find the hard drives. I was told it needs a BIOS update, but I am computer illiterate sometimes. I could live with simply hitting the F1 key for the life of this computer but its a machine and I am at the top of the food chain. Can someone point me in the right direction, Please and Thank You.

Yes, its used, my other PC... had to be put down shall we say. Sorry this reply took so long, I am getting married in a week and things are... hectic to say the least. About the update, Can I just jump straight to A08 from A03? Not real sure I want to try something like this, I mean all I have to to is strike the F1 key to fix the problem. I guess my real question is, this wont lead to another problem later on will it? My Thanks to you for any info associated with my problem.

neoncacher

You should be able to upgrade to BIOS version A08 without any issues.

Also, try running Dell Diagnostics extended test, to check for any hardware issues.

The instructions for using Dell's Diagnostics Utility, are HERE

Bev.

So, when the PC powers on, it stops at F1/F2, and when you hit F1, it boots Windows ok?  Check BIOS for any UNKNOWN devices.  Check your HARD DRIVE ports ... turn on the first port and turn off all others.