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stormgal

6 Posts

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October 8th, 2005 17:00

win XP cannot start - following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

I can't do an F6 and attempt to restore because it will give me the same message.
 
I can't use the Recovery console either.  After I try to start the pc from the IDE drive (CD) with a windows recovery CD, I get the following message:
 
"setup did not find any hard disk drives on your computer.  Make sure any hard disk drives are powered on and properly connected to your computer, and that any disk-related hardware configuration is correct.  This may involve running a manufactured supply diagnostic or setup program"
 
Does anyone have any idea on what I should do?? I have an XPS with XP installed.

RoHe

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October 8th, 2005 18:00

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kb/en/document?dn=1068335&c=us&l=en&cs=19&s=dhs

stormgal

6 Posts

October 8th, 2005 23:00

I can't get to the recovery console.  When I try to do so, I get this message:
 
"setup did not find any hard disk drives on your computer.  Make sure any hard disk drives are powered on and properly connected to your computer, and that any disk-related hardware configuration is correct.  This may involve running a manufactured supply diagnostic or setup program"

RoHe

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October 8th, 2005 23:00

Did you go into BIOS and change the boot sequence so CD is listed first and it actually boots from the XP CD?

If you still can't get to recovery console, boot the system, and tap F12 immediately. You should see a list of options including Dell Diagnostics. Run the full HD tests. If you get any error messages, write them down and contact Dell assuming the system is under warranty for replacement HD. I hope you have your files backed up.

Ron

Message Edited by RoHe on 10-08-2005 05:59 PM

stormgal

6 Posts

October 9th, 2005 00:00

I ran all those tests overnight.  I didn't get any error messages.  I'm trying to run the dell diagnostics from the 5 bootable disk drives, but everytime I get to disk #3, it reads, "data error reading drive A" abort, retry, ignore, fail"
 
what a pain this is.:smileymad:

stormgal

6 Posts

October 10th, 2005 17:00

Does anyone understand why I cannot get to the recovery console?  I continue to get this message:
 
 
"setup did not find any hard disk drives on your computer.  Make sure any hard disk drives are powered on and properly connected to your computer, and that any disk-related hardware configuration is correct.  This may involve running a manufactured supply diagnostic or setup program"

mmarks99

1 Message

October 12th, 2005 16:00

I have the same problem.   I also am unable to get the reinstallation cd to run.   Have you made any progress?

RoHe

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October 12th, 2005 21:00

To get started, go into BIOS setup and see if the HD is recognized. If not, then you need to troubleshoot that before you try to load XP from the CD. Do you have a RAID HD configuration on this PC?

You might want to remove all PCI cards except video card from their slots and disconnect all unnecessary peripherals except monitor, keyboard and mouse and try the XP CD again.

Ron

stormgal

6 Posts

October 13th, 2005 14:00

I went to the BIOS and sure enough my hard drive is not being recognized.  It reads, "Undetected Device".
 
I guess my hard drive died?

RoHe

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October 13th, 2005 16:00

Power off the system, unplug from wall and press/hold ON button for ~15 sec. Then open the case. Using care against static, carefully reseat the connector wires to the HD at both ends. Close the case and power on. See if it's recognized in BIOS now. If not try clearing the CMOS (sometimes called NVRAM) on your system. You can probably find instructions in your owner's manual or search the Dell knowledge base for instructions for your model. When that's done, go back into BIOS and see if the HD is recognized.

If not, Dell may have HD diagostics for your system that you can run from floppy disks (assuming you have a floppy drive). Download those files and create bootable floppy to run the HD tests.

Ron

RoHe

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October 14th, 2005 03:00

This is probably what you need:
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kb/en/document?dn=1091593&l=en&langid=1&c=us&cs=19&s=dhs

Ron

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