Sounds like the hard drive is dying. Run the Dell diagnostic program and check the drive.

As far as installing a OS with most newer ones, 98SE on up, the CD it come on is bootable. So pop that OS CD in the CD drive and hit the F12 key when you see the BIOS post screen and you will get the option to boot from the CD drive. Keep your eyes on the screen for a prompt to Boot From CD hit any key. Hit a key at that prompt.

how do i get to the dell diagnostic tools, i cant even load windows or get to a prompt?

 

you are a life saver. will contact friend for new os and get it done 2morrow.will post to let you know how it went . thank you again.

 

I think there is a build in HDD checker but I foget which function key you press to get to it. In any event if your goal is to wipe the drive and reinstall a OS then just boot from the OS CD. During the install it will give you a option to delete any or all partitions, create a new one or more and to format the partition the OS is going to be installed on. Just read the screens that come up during the OS install.

I have the very same problem but i have no idea what do nor do i know what the response is talking about. can you explain it to me please?