i agree with ejn.  take note of any and all error messages that come up, and you can use that when you call dell tech support for further assistance, or when you post again here.  :)

Thanks for the advice. I did do the test and it failed on the DST Short Test.

That is it.  NOw what?

i see.  i assume you're still able to boot to windows, so the first step you need to do is start backing up your files and other important documents to maybe a dvd or two, or a flash drive, or to an external hard drive - your hard drive has failed its diagnostics and needs to be replaced.  once done, call dell support up, give them the error code, verify your info with them, and all the cds you have, as dell will replace your hard drive if you still have an active service contract. 

assuming you don't have an active service contract, just let dell know you'd like to get a copy of the reinstallation discs (which they can provide to you as courtesy or for other reasons, although MS Office is not counted due to royalty purposes unless escalated), and get a replacement hard drive either from dell or from your local store if they carry a similar model.

hope this helps.  :)

I did an extended diagnostic test and the only failure was a stuck key detection. what does that mean.

try to check in notepad the key mentionedi n the stuck key test.  :)