Windows Vista will not start - Diagnostics return error code 2000-0142

I have had occasional problems booting my computer since July. I will turn it on and it will run the recommended boot up for two hours and then finally let me log in. Now my wireless will not connect to any wireless connections. I ran a diagnostic test and it gave me the error 2000-0142 code. I can still get on my computer, so I'm not sure what this code means for my laptop. does it affect my wireless connection? I've noticed it is slow on occasion, but I just need to be able to connect to wifi. Help?

Always include PC model and version of Windows in your posts. :emotion-5:

Error code 2000-0142:

• Hard Drive self test unsuccessful  
• Your hard disk drive has indicated a failure
• Update to the latest BIOS.
• Turn off your computer and reconnect your hard disk drive (HDD) to the system board. (See your service manual for instructions.)
• Repeat the ePSA diagnostics.

In other words, back up your personal files on external media ASAP and replace the hard drive. And make sure you know the product keys for any software you installed (eg Microsoft Office) because you'll need those keys to install the software on a new hard drive.  If you don't have all the product keys, use the free Belarc Advisor to find them, assuming you're still able to install anything on this hard drive (back up your files first).

If the system is still under warranty, contact Dell Tech Support for a replacement drive.

For Windows 7 on a Studio XPS 1340. Replace your hard drive and see Windows Reinstallation Guide/A Clean install of Windows 7:

http://philipyip.wordpress.com/dell-community-forums/

Follow Steps 1-3 on the old hard drive if you can still access data on it. If Windows cannot boot you may try using a Fedora/Ubuntu live USB/CD to back up data to an external hard drive. This procedure is explained in page 378 of the guide.

I advise using a crucial M500 (120 GB or 256 GB) solid state drive as a replacement hard drive:

http://www.crucial.com/uk/upgrade/Dell-memory/Studio/Studio+XPS+13-upgrades.html

That is right, thanks! Change de hard drive and reinstall, that is all!