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favabean1982 wrote:

Hey all.  The other day I went to turn on my Dimension 4300, after which I was immediately presented with the message, "Strike F1 to continue, F2 to run setup utility.  "  Pressing F1 only gives me the same message all over again.  I hadn't done anything to my computer prior to this occurence-this is completely out of the blue.  Any ideas as to what I can do?  I've tried using bootdisks, but those don't seemt to work either, unless I'm doing something wrong.  I've been wanting to install Windows XP for some time now (I've been using Windows ME for far too long) and now that I'm ready to do it I can't even get past this stupid message when I turn on the computer.  I hate being without my computer-anyone know what to do here?  Thanks! 

Brian

 

Reboot and hit F12 to run Dell diagnostics.

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favabean1982 wrote:
Hey, I tried that and it didn't work. Any other ideas?

Brian

 

Check the lights on the back of your PC and compare them to your documentation (see Technical Support tab above, then manuals).  If they are all green, it's time for a new hard drive.

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favabean1982 wrote:

Hey, the the three lights labeled A, B and C are green except for the fourth light labeled D, which is yellow.  I couldn't find the info you mentioned, either.  What could this mean? 

 

Brian

 

You couldn't find the Technical Support tab at the top of your screen, or the Manuals link on the page that followed?  Hmmm...

 

That light pattern means OTHER FAILURE.  Unplug the hard drive, then turn the PC back on and see if the lights go all green. 

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favabean1982 wrote:

Yeah, I could find the things you mentioned.  Plus, I tried unplugging the hard drive like you suggested and I got the same exact message.  This is frustrating!  :-)  But I do appreciate the help, any more ideas? 

 

Brian

 

Go back and re-read what I told you to do.  I told you to unplug the drive, then check the LIGHTS.  Nothing about a message.  Of course you're going to get a message that says the drive isn't there...  The question is whether the computer will not show an error light, which would tell me it's the drive.

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favabean1982 wrote:

Thanks.  The lights are exactly the same as before-the first three are green and the last one is yellow. 

 

Brian

 

I would suggest that you spend the $50 or less for a new hard drive and cross your fingers.

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favabean1982 wrote:
Nothin'. Same message as before. :-(

LIGHTS.  Not message.  LIGHTS.