inaccessible boot device

Question

i have a dell latitude c600 and when i turn it on it seems to load windows normally , but half way throught it comes up with a blue screen and tell me that i have an inaccesible boot device. And then freezes. How can I get to a c prompt to format drive and install new os?

Ed C · Answer

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.

theicechucker · Answer

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

theicechucker · Answer

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.

Ed C · Answer

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.

totally lost · Answer

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?

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inaccessible boot device

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