Hard Drive Not Found?

Question

Okay.  I have tried calling Dell about this but I keep getting these wierd accented people that I cannot understand.  Anyway, when I start up my computer, I get an error that says Drive 1 is not found or something like that, then I restart it and it says the same thing.  It then said, Strike F1 or something to continue, so I pressed F1, and it went to a black screen with white letters, and it gives me a few options, which is: Start Windows Normally, Safe Mode, Safe Mode (With Networking) or Restart from most recent settings, or something like that.  ( Something to do with a restore point)  Anyways, I have tried all options and I keep getting a blue screen and one word that is seperated from all the paragraphs is: UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME   What does that mean?   Does it mean I need to buy a new hard drive? Or do I have to reconnect a few cords?  Because, my computer was working just fine.  I know it's NOT a virus because I had protection, I think that it is just a loose connection or something between the System Board and the HD.   What do you guys think I should do?   Thanks in advance.

shesagordie · Answer

Help_Me_808

It would help to post the full text of the error message.

See if the following can help,

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kb/en/document?dn=1059758&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q297185

Have tried running Dell diagnostics extended test on the hard drive?

Bev.

kebinkc · Answer

Certainly doesn't hurt to make sure all cables are seated. I've messed with machines for about 15 years and that has solved a lot of problems.

Just be sure to unplug the computer and ground yourself (touch something metal) before touching inside the computer. Yes, I've fried a memory board before by not doing this (Doh!).

Help_Me_808 · Answer

Well, when I find my Reinstallation CD, I will try and re-install the system.       kebinkc, I tried that, only reconnecting some of the wires that I know.       If you want a full read out of the screen here it is:  (This is going to take a while to type)   A problem has been detected and whindows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer.   UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME   If this is the first time you've seen this stop error screen, restart your computer.  If this screen appears again, follow these steps:   Check to make sure any new hardware or software is properly installed.  If this is a new installation, ask your hardware or software manufacturer for any windows updates you may need.   If problems continue, disable or remove any newly installed hardware or software.  Disable BIOS memory options such as catching or shadowing.  If ou need to use safe mode to remove or disable components, restart your computer, press F8 to select Advanced Startup Options, and then select Safe Mode.   Technical Information: *** STOP:  0x000000ED  (0x87329B8, 0xC0000006, 0x0000000, 0x0000000)         Now, I have tried everything that has been suggested here in this screen shot.  The last part about the Safe Mode, I could not get into becuase I could not get that far.  When I start up the computer however, after the Dell Logo appears, it goes to a black and white screen that says a bunch of un-important information.  It gives me the options of: Safe Mode Safe Mode with Networking Safe Mode with Command Prompt Last Known Good Configuration (your most recent settings that worked) Start Windows Normally   I have tried ALL of the above and have gotten the same blue error screen.  When I go to school tomorrow, i'll ask one of the computer teachers thier if I can borrow one of the Dell Installation CD's.  If I use thier CD, it should not make a difference right?  Also note, I DO NOT or NEVER EVERY had ANY type of other Hardware or Software connected or installed onto my computer. Message Edited by Help_Me_808 on 05-09-200601:34 AM

shesagordie · Answer

Help_Me_808   You will need to borrow an WinXP CD, that is the same version as installed in your system, [XP Home or XP Pro, etc].   Bev.

Help_Me_808 · Answer

Ah, that's what I thought.  What if I just bought a new HD and installed it myself, would that help the problem?

kebinkc · Answer

If you can get the Bios to find it properly. I have been fighting with adding a second drive since Saturday. The ***** bios (yes, I upgraded to latest and greatest) is not seeing it as the proper model. It keeps seeing it as the same as the original drive even after I do a NVRAM to reset everything. I have another thread going on this if anyone has suggestions lets not mess up this thread.

Anyway... IF you put in a new drive, you will still need the WinXP (or other operating system) CD/Disks/whatever to load it. Best of luck on this since I have no idea beyond what others have posted and just had to add my smart* comment above.

shesagordie · Answer

Help_Me_808 wrote:'Ah, that's what I thought.  What if I just bought a new HD and installed it myself, would that help the problem?' Basically, no.   You will still need to borrow an XP CD of the same 'Flavour' because Dell's information is stored in the BIOS, not the hard drive. If you can't find your copy or borrow a Dell CD, then browse eBay, I've noticed Dell XP reinstall CDs for sale there. Bev. Message Edited by shesagordie on 05-10-200601:13 PM

Storage, Drives & Media

Hard Drive Not Found?

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