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Gordon1937
7 Posts
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18487
October 10th, 2012 11:00
Can't Boot by Normal Processes
I don't know how the problem occured. It seems to have started after I attempted to install an SATA cd/DVD drive I bought from Dell about a year or so ago, but I'm not certain that's when it started. I gave up on that installation. I've had a number of other problems recently, and this is the last one. I'll describe the most successful experience I've had trying to boot my Inspiron 3000 lately, running Windows XP Home edition with Service Pack 3. Last night I used the normal Windows shut-down process. This morning, after some 12 hours, I did the following; 1. Press the power on button 2. The Dell logo came up with a white status bar under the word "Dell" and, in the upper right-hand corner; F2 for Setup, F12 for Boot Options 3. After the white status bar was filled, I pressed F12. 4. A list of boot options came up. 5. I selected #4, "Hard Disk Drive C:" 6. Windows booted and the machine operated normally. No other sequence of steps has worked since the problem began. This morning, after letting the PC run for a while, I used the Start>Turn Off> Restart process to see if the steps outlined above would work for a restart. It didn't work. Instead, after step 5, cursor moved down about two lines and stayed there. A couple of minutes later a message came up that read, "strike F1 to retry boot, F2 to enter setup." I pressed F1 but the only thing that happened is that the same message repeated a minute or so later, and continued to repeat as many times as I tried pressing F1 or F2. Several attempts to start the machine after short waits (about 10 minutes) produced the same results. I receive no error messages about missing files or other errors when the boot process fails. At the suggestion of a friend who knows quite a bit more than I, I've compared the boot.ini file on my machine to his and they are the same. I have run the Dell diagnotics for "Won't Boot" and it passes all tests. I know zero about how a computer actually works, but it seems to me that, after the Power On Self Test, the computer is supposed to run boot.ini, and that doesn't happen. I'll be very grateful for any help I can get.
547
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Posted October 10th, 2012 12:00
Just a follow-up on the above problem.
I waited about 45 minutes after last failing to boot the PC and turning the power off, then I followed the five steps listed above and Windows booted.
Of course, I still have the original problem.547
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Posted October 10th, 2012 12:00
Incidentally, the problem didn't start a year ago. That's when I bought the CD/DVD drive. I just tried to install it in the last couple of weeks.
547
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Posted October 10th, 2012 13:00
Thank you for your suggestions. I've tried various combinations of boot sequence. The only time it makes any difference is when I have the Dell Diagnostics disk in the CD drive, and set the boot sequence to start there. Otherwise, with no disk in the CD drive (my drive E), the situation isn't improved. I have my Primary Hard Disk set as the first in the boot sequence.
I don't have a diskette drive
BTW, my Setup screen looks different from yours. Mine doesn't identify the Hard Disk by drive letter. It just calls it the Master (or Primary) Hard Disk and lists my other hard disk as the Slave (or Secondary) drive. Does that indicate that something's wrong with it?
Thanks again.
547
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Posted October 14th, 2012 18:00
Can you suggest where within Dell I might be able find a solution to my problem?
547
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Posted October 17th, 2012 14:00
Hi,
Thanks for the reply. Since, you have installed a new CD/DVD drive please check the connections. Ensure before you remove the cover disconnect the system from the electrical outlet. The jumper setting in the system is in cable select mode. Please let me know the status of the LED lights.
-- Remove two extra alignment screws from the front of the computer and insert them into the drive.
-- Gently slide the drive into place in the drive bay and apply pressure to ensure the drive is fully seated.
-- Use the securing screw that came with the drive to attach the drive to the computer.
-- Connect the power cable to the system board.
-- Locate the data cable from the CD or DVD drive in the upper drive bay and connect its middle data connector to the new drive.(Refer to the picture below)
-- Replace the computer cover and connect it to the power outlet.
-- Restart and check if the issue is resolved.Please reply.
Thanks and Regards
Priyanka S
#iworkfordell547
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Posted May 17th, 2013 02:00
This thread has been locked due to inactivity.For assistance,with same issue or a different issue,please click New Post on the top right to start a New Thread.
DELL-Priyanka_S
671 Posts
547
0
Posted October 10th, 2012 12:00
Hi,
I suggest you to check the boot sequence in BIOS. To go to BIOS start tapping F2 key while the system restarts and once you are on the BIOS screen, select Boot Sequence, change the 1st boot device to hard drive. (Refer to the picture below)
Restart the system and check if the issue is resolved.
If the issue still persists, please turn off the diskette drive. On the BIOS screen, select Integrated Devices and select Diskette Interface and turn it off by using the side arrows on the keyboard. (Refer to the picture below).Restart the system and check if the issue is resolved.
Please reply with the results.
Thanks and Regards
Priyanka S
#iworkfordell