"A problem communicating with a device connected to your computer"?

Hello Vernon034,

The error message relates to a hardware error pertaining to your computer's BIOS. Basically it is telling you that the computer is not able to reliably communicate with the hard drive. Please disconnect all external devices and check if that works.

I would also request you to run the Pre-Boot System Assessment (PSA / ePSA) Diagnostics. 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. 

Please write back with results. 

And I dd a customized test on CDROM/DVD with the Windows 7 DVD. I get the following error on a popup panel for this this test

Error Code 0F00:281C

Msg: IDE device failed: Non-recoverable hardware error (internal target failure)

And a related message on the result panel:

Error Code 0F00:021D

Msg: Block 320: Illegal request (probably not a hardware problem) If this is a removable media device, retry with different media (Illegal mode for this track).

This error indicates the root of my problem of Windows 7 DVD installation - incompatible between the optional drive and Windows & installation DVD. The OS DVD is also from Dell for a desktop I just purchased last week. How to solve this incompatible problem? Replacing the optical drive? Is using an external HD for installation an option?

Also, why this error didn't get picked up during the Express Test.

Thanks very much Allan for your information. After running the Express Test of Pre-Boot System Assessment, I get an

Error code 0F00:137B

msg: IDE device failed: Blank media or not media is present in optional drive. Test requires media with data (Resource CD, installation CD)

I am not sure about this error. Why the laptop needs a CD in the optional drive during the test?

I am still in the process of the testing. I will report any other errors.

I run the same CDROM Diagnostics test with the Windows 7 DVD on my new desktop. There isn't any error. So, the problem is incompatible.

Vernon034,

Please continue with Dell-Allan D

Just curious, maybe this may help.

Your CD drive or DVD drive is missing or is not recognized by Windows or other programs

Run the Microsoft FitIt and see if it works.

Rick

Thanks Rich for your information. My problem isn't about missing the optical drive. As I already mentioned, I can read data from a CD on the drive and write data to a CD on the drive.

Hello Vernon034,

I would suggest you to try re-seating the Optical Drive and re-run the Pre-Boot System Assessment (PSA / ePSA) Diagnostics. 

Before performing the steps, read and follow the safety instructions in Dell Knowledge Base Article: "Precautionary Measures for Personal Safety". Remove all power sources including AC Adapter and Battery before you remove or re-install an item in your computer. Please see the Service Manual for instructions on how to remove and replace the Optical Drive: http://bit.ly/1b4aIgT

Hope this helps!

Thanks Allan for your information. I, however, already installed Windows 7 by using an external HD on the laptop a few days ago. I copied the Windows 7 DVD content to the HD and did an installation. The installation seen to be fine. The font looks little bit odd though.

Hello Vernon034,

Sicne you have already re-installed the Operating System, please help me understand if you have re-installed the drivers in the correct order.

Following the steps stated on pcsupport.about.com/.../instxpclean1.htm, I didn't notice driver installation.

Hello Vernon034,

The article on Clean Installation from PCSupport is an article published based on the Operating System irrespective of the kind and brand of the computer. However for Dell PCs, it is very important to install the drivers in the correct order after re-installing Windows. Please refer to the article on How to manually reinstall Windows 7 on a Dell computer.

Hope this helps!