Are you using the original hard drive? You might want to run the diagnostics before attempting a reinstallation. If using the original drive you can bring up the diagnostics by restarting the computer, pressing F12 during POST, and selecting Diagnostics from the one time boot menu. If this is not available to you, you can also run them from the Dell Resource CD by booting from the CD and selecting Diagnostics from the menu that pops up. Pay special attention to the tests of the hard drive.
If the hard drive checks ok, you will likely need to reinstall Windows. Unless you have a Windows installation CD that has the same service pack as that on your hard drive, you will not be able to perform a repair installation.
jackshack
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January 22nd, 2009 19:00
Are you using the original hard drive? You might want to run the diagnostics before attempting a reinstallation. If using the original drive you can bring up the diagnostics by restarting the computer, pressing F12 during POST, and selecting Diagnostics from the one time boot menu. If this is not available to you, you can also run them from the Dell Resource CD by booting from the CD and selecting Diagnostics from the menu that pops up. Pay special attention to the tests of the hard drive.
If the hard drive checks ok, you will likely need to reinstall Windows. Unless you have a Windows installation CD that has the same service pack as that on your hard drive, you will not be able to perform a repair installation.