That error is a hard drive self-test failure - which may be the reason why the DVD drive won't read (the drivers may be located in the bad sectors on the hard drive).
Try a bootable CD in the hard drive (F12 to boot from it). If the drive WILL boot the system, then it's OK. In any case, the hard drive is faulty and must be replaced - either intead of or in addition to the CD/DVD drive. You need: a 2.5" EIDE (NOT SATA) drive, 120G or smaller.
If you do not have a Windows disc to test (or to install Windows once you replace the faulty hard drive) AND you are in the US, you can order one here:
ejn63
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June 7th, 2009 09:00
That error is a hard drive self-test failure - which may be the reason why the DVD drive won't read (the drivers may be located in the bad sectors on the hard drive).
Try a bootable CD in the hard drive (F12 to boot from it). If the drive WILL boot the system, then it's OK. In any case, the hard drive is faulty and must be replaced - either intead of or in addition to the CD/DVD drive. You need: a 2.5" EIDE (NOT SATA) drive, 120G or smaller.
If you do not have a Windows disc to test (or to install Windows once you replace the faulty hard drive) AND you are in the US, you can order one here:
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dellcare/en/backupcd_form?c=us&l=en&s=gen&redirect=1