I have a Dell Dimension 8400... and I recently replaced the DVD drive to a LITEON 52x CD-RW & 16x DVD-ROM because the dvd drive that came with the computer broke.
The problem is, I can't download anything because I don't even have any windows installed.
Generally there is an option for extended or quick diagnostics. I don't know what model you have, so I don't know the details. If yours does not have extended tests, you can download more up to date diagnostics from support.dell.com.
Try boot from the resource CD. That should also have diagnostics.
You are posting on these forums, so I would think you could download something using the machine that your are using here.
You should also make sure that the HD cables are securely attached at both ends. The 8400 has SATA ports, right? If so, you could try a different port for the HD.
What would I download from Dell... I only have a flash drive for the laptop.
I tried to connect the hard drive to other ports but I kept getting an Alert! previous attempts at booting this system have failed at checkpoint [Ithr]. I put it back to SATA0 and now I don't get the alert message.
I have a question though... when I do run the hard drive diagnostics... what does it mean when next to drive 5: ATAPI DVD C DH52C2P - "Diagnostics not supported"? Does that mean something is wrong with the dvd/cd drive?
For the ports, see here <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>. Normally the primary HD is connected to SATA0, but try the other ports. You will need to enable them in the BIOS.
What would I download from Dell... I only have a flash drive for the laptop.
The diagnostics are here<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>.
If your flash drive is bootable, you can put them on there. Then boot from the flash drive.
I tried to connect the hard drive to other ports but I kept getting an Alert! previous attempts at booting this system have failed at checkpoint [Ithr]. I put it back to SATA0 and now I don't get the alert message.
Did you enable the other SATA port and disable SATA0?
I have a question though... when I do run the hard drive diagnostics... what does it mean when next to drive 5: ATAPI DVD C DH52C2P - "Diagnostics not supported"? Does that mean something is wrong with the dvd/cd drive?
It sounds more like it is saying it can't run the diagnostics for some reason. Maybe you need to put something in the drive for it to read.
PETER345
5.8K Posts
0
March 19th, 2008 01:00
Did you run the extended diagnostics? That looks for much more. It does sound like a disk problem.
Peter
mumeisenshi
11 Posts
0
March 19th, 2008 03:00
mumeisenshi
11 Posts
0
March 19th, 2008 04:00
I have a Dell Dimension 8400... and I recently replaced the DVD drive to a LITEON 52x CD-RW & 16x DVD-ROM because the dvd drive that came with the computer broke.
The problem is, I can't download anything because I don't even have any windows installed.
PETER345
5.8K Posts
0
March 19th, 2008 04:00
Generally there is an option for extended or quick diagnostics. I don't know what model you have, so I don't know the details. If yours does not have extended tests, you can download more up to date diagnostics from support.dell.com.
Peter
PETER345
5.8K Posts
0
March 19th, 2008 04:00
Try boot from the resource CD. That should also have diagnostics.
You are posting on these forums, so I would think you could download something using the machine that your are using here.
You should also make sure that the HD cables are securely attached at both ends. The 8400 has SATA ports, right? If so, you could try a different port for the HD.
Peter
mumeisenshi
11 Posts
0
March 19th, 2008 04:00
Don't have the resource cd... I tried contacting Dell for another but they said that the CD for my version of dell has stopped manufacturing.
Right now I'm using a laptop, not the PC.
Where would the SATA ports be located? Sorry for the troubles man... but thanks for helping. I really appreciate it.
mumeisenshi
11 Posts
0
March 19th, 2008 04:00
What would I download from Dell... I only have a flash drive for the laptop.
I tried to connect the hard drive to other ports but I kept getting an Alert! previous attempts at booting this system have failed at checkpoint [Ithr]. I put it back to SATA0 and now I don't get the alert message.
I have a question though... when I do run the hard drive diagnostics... what does it mean when next to drive 5: ATAPI DVD C DH52C2P - "Diagnostics not supported"? Does that mean something is wrong with the dvd/cd drive?
PETER345
5.8K Posts
0
March 19th, 2008 04:00
Can't you download with the laptop?
For the ports, see here <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>. Normally the primary HD is connected to SATA0, but try the other ports. You will need to enable them in the BIOS.
You're welcome.
Peter
mumeisenshi
11 Posts
0
March 19th, 2008 04:00
PETER345
5.8K Posts
0
March 19th, 2008 05:00
The diagnostics are here<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>.
If your flash drive is bootable, you can put them on there. Then boot from the flash drive.
Did you enable the other SATA port and disable SATA0?