Non-system disk error

Hi KirstyHH,

The problem could be with the hardware or software of the system.

I understand you have run hardware diagnostics on the system, I would request you to run the Pre-Boot System Assessment (PSA / ePSA) Diagnostics to check the functionality of the hardware components installed in the system. Run the test and check if gives any error code. Note down the error code and update me with the same, would let you know the next course of action. 

You may also refer to this video on how to run the PSA Diagnostics: http://dell.to/1dMViiD

If there are no errors reported, please check if the system is booting to Safe mode with networking.

Restart the computer and tap F8 on Dell logo and select Safemode with networking in Advanced boot menu and hit enter.

Please check and post the results.

You have a failing hard drive.

Follow Windows Reinstallation Guide/F12 Pre-Boot Diagnostics:

http://philipyip.wordpress.com/dell-community-forums/ 

If Diagnostics Pass follow the instructions in A Clean Install of Windows 7 page 9. This will instruct you how to download and create media and to reinstall Windows 7.

If they fail post the error code e.g. 2000-0146 or 2000-0142. As mentioned it is suspect of a failing hard drive.

Hi Nikhil,

It passed the PSA diagnostics with no errors and boots into safemode with networking OK.

Thanks,

Kirsty

Hi Kirsty,

We can run startup repair which helps in most cases. First, disconnect any external devices connected to the computer. If there is a disc present in the optical drive please eject it. Follow the below mentioned steps to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Switch on the computer and tap F2 key to enter the BIOS.
2. Once in BIOS, press F9 to load BIOS defaults.
3. Press F10 to save and exit the BIOS.
4. Tap F8 key repeatedly at Dell logo for windows "Advanced Boot Options".
5. Use the up/down arrow keys to highlight “Last known good configuration “and press enter.
6. If the computer does not boot to windows, restart and repeat Step 4.
7. Use the up/down arrow keys to highlight "Repair your computer" and press enter.
8. Select the input language and select your user account.
9. Once at "System Recovery Options", click "Startup Repair".

Please post the results.

Hi Nikhil,

I completed step 4 and it rebooted as normal, but when I rebooted again I still got the error message "Non-system disk, press any key". So I completed the Startup repair and it said there are no detected faults. I rebooted again but am still getting the same error message.

Thanks,

Kirsty

If the hard drive is still functioning, the Master Boot Record may have been damaged. This can be repaired by booting the install disc, opening a recovery prompt, and executing the command 'BOOTREC /FIXMBR'.

If you're the original owner of the machine in question, you can order an install disc from Dell. Alternatively, you can download an ISO from Digital River and burn it to DVD.

It may be, however, that the original hard drive is failing, and you would be wise to replace it. It may still be possible to extract data from it.

What model computer? Make sure there are no disks in any drive or USB port.