I was transferring music using iTunes last night when my computer locked up for seemingly no reason. I attempted several times to restart the system with no success. I was finally able to get it to start in safe mode, each time it would sign me in with a "temporary profile." After getting it to start in safe mode and no other mode, I decided to do a recovery. When it seemed the recovery had finished, an error message appeared stating that the recovery could not be completed because an error had been found. 

I have attempted to use a windows 7 install disc to repair my current version, it also throws an error. 

I have tried the Dell ePSA Pre-boot System Assessment. 

** OS Hard Drive 0 - DST Short Test **

Test Results : Fail

Error Code 2000-0151

validation 49796

Msg: Hard Drive 0 - S/N S2TDJ90C149760, incorrect status = 3E

No additional sense information

This is the only test that failed, all others passed. If I could get any input or advice, it would be much appreciated. I assume frI'm what I have read that I will probably have to replace the HDD. Just wondered if there was something else I could do. If you need more info I haven't provided, please ask me. 

My system:

Inspiron N5040

OEM 500gb hhd 

everything else OEM